Inflammatory dermatoses and the mind

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  May, 2005  by Robert A. Anderson

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It is only recently that Western physicians are rediscovering the link between thought and health. The spectrum of causative factors in inflammatory dermatoses are often multifactorial. Stress and negative thoughts are major factors in dermatological conditions. This article delineates some basic information on the ways that thoughts affect health. Practical methods of intervention include meditation, journal writing, affirmations, prayer, biofeedback, and hypnosis.

Bilkis MR, Mark KA. Mind-body medicine. Practical applications in dermatology. Arch Dermatol 1998 Nov; 134(11):1437-41

COMMENT: This editorial commentary points out practical and effective interventions in inflammatory skin conditions. This is a paean to mind-body interventions. Holistic practitioners often come to the awareness of the potential for non-pharmacological interventions out of a sense of failure or suboptimal response from pharmacological approaches. In this dermatological journal, the authors appeal not to an alternative approach, but to an integrated holistic approach, avoiding the either/or dichotomy. My own bias is to use psycho-social-spiritual interventions first and pharmacological ones last, but I support any integrated combination of the two. And we need to remember that the uncomfortable truth that the most common awareness of the need for a fresh look at disease management and the importance of lifestyle comes out of a patient crisis.

COPYRIGHT 2005 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group