Two months ago, I broke out with skin rashes. The patches on my face were itching and red. I subsequently treated myself with acupuncture, herbs, Ayurveda medicine, essential oils, dietary changes, cupping, moxa, masks….. As time went by, the patches are not going away. Every morning, my routine became studying my face in the mirror.
My broke through moment came when I learned Psychodermatology. The practice of a combination of psychiatry and dermatology. Patients with skin diseases are treated by a team of professionals with a comprehensive approach. It is new hope for struggling patients. My rashes developed after my mom’s cancer diagnosis. The connections between stress and skin conditions are undeniable.
Psychodermatology is a new concept, there are only a few clinics found in the US. Common known skin diseases are associated with mental conditions such as acne, herpes, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, just to name a few. According to a recent article published in the Psychiatric Times, 40% of patients say they experienced stress before the onset of their first symptoms, with 80% reporting stress before recurring flare-ups. Feelings of shame, fear of rejection, and secretiveness are three ways that affect patients. Biofeedback, Cognitive behavior therapy, relaxation techniques have been used to successfully treat the patients along with conventional treatment.
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I finally made peace with my skin rashes as I accepted my mom’s diagnosis.