Pyschodermatology: a trip through history

Abstract

The interaction between the mind and diseases of the skin has been the study focus for many researchers worldwide. The field of Psychodermatology, or Psychocutaneous Medicine, is the result of the merging of two major medical specialties, psychiatry and dermatology. Although the history of Psychodermatology is rather old and interesting, the field has only recently gained popularity. Since ancient times, philosophers, surgeons, dermatologists and psychiatrists have reported the presence of psychocutaneous diseases in various scenarios. In this article, the authors describe curious and remarkable facts in the history of Psychodermatology.

Psychosocial impact of acne and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation

“… 23 Dermatologists should encourage emotionally affected patients to seek help from a mental health specialist. 24 …”

Psychodermatology: Basics Concepts

“…Hippocrates (460-377 BC), in his writings, mentioned the effects of stress on skin. He cited cases of people who tore their hair out in response to emotional stress (3). While Aristotle (384-322 BC) suggested that the mind and body were two complementary entities and not separate, as suggested before (3).…”

“…It addresses the complex interaction between the skin and mind. Although the existence of Psychodermatology is old, the field has become popular only in the past 20 years (1,3). Since ancient times, philosophers reported the existence of Psychocutaneous diseases.…”

Plucking, picking, and pulling: The hair-raising history of trichotillomania

“…Hippocrates (or associates), in Epidemics III (410 BCE ca), reported on the case of Thasos, wife of Delearces. [3] Following a grief-stricken episode, he described her having periodic fevers where she would wrap herself up and pluck, scratch, and pick hairs.…”