Neurodermatitis, psoriasis, eczema

This connection was later scientifically substantiated by psychoanalyst Franz Alexander, who proved that the skin has a so-called organ vulnerability to mental stress. In other words, anxious or depressed experiences can quite literally "come out" in the form of skin manifestations.

One of the main triggers in the development of psychogenic dermatoses is stress. It starts a vicious circle: emotional stress causes rashes or itching, which, in turn, cause even more discomfort and anxiety. And the longer this situation exists, the deeper the physical and psycho-emotional disorders become. Often, the severity of the disease is directly related to the person's internal state.

Neurodermatitis

One of the most common psychosomatic skin diseases is neurodermatitis (or atopic dermatitis). It affects about 1-1.5% of the population, mostly women. The disease is manifested by chronic itching and rashes that affect the face, neck, joints, hands, and feet. It is often accompanied by neurotic conditions, irritability, decreased performance, disruption of social contacts and a deep sense of helplessness.

Psoriasis

Another notable disease is psoriasis. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes excessive flaking, redness, and itching of the skin. It is not contagious, but it can cover large areas of the body, lead to isolation and deep psycho-emotional exhaustion. Some researchers believe that the scales characteristic of psoriasis are a kind of "armor" - a way of protecting against the outside world, which the patient perceives as threatening.

Eczema

Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is manifested by patches of inflamed, dry, itchy skin that often appear on the elbows, knees, face, and neck. Frequent scratching of these areas not only aggravates the condition but also serves as an unconscious way to "release" suppressed aggression or emotional stress. In such cases, itching is not only a bodily phenomenon, but also a symbol of an emotional struggle going on inside.

Psycho-emotional roots

The onset and exacerbation of skin diseases is often associated with severe emotional turmoil: conflicts in partnerships, unhealthy relationships with parents (especially the mother), the loss of an important person, or, conversely, the appearance of someone who causes strong emotional distress. Often, skin symptoms are a manifestation of an internal conflict between the desire to be close and the fear of losing oneself.

This is especially true when a person suppresses aggression or sexuality, not allowing themselves to express emotions openly. Scratching the skin in case of itchy dermatoses in such situations is not just a reaction to irritation, but an unconscious act of release.

Patients with chronic dermatitis often experience intense feelings of guilt, inadequacy, depression, and anxiety. They even admit that their psychological state directly affects the course of the disease.

Skin as a boundary

The skin serves not only as protection but also as communication. It is our contact with the outside world. It simultaneously reflects internal experiences and signals them to the outside. In psychotherapy, there is a symbolic idea of the skin as a boundary between the inner self and the outside world. And if these boundaries are violated - too blurred or too impenetrable - the body begins to react.

For example, people with low self-esteem, fear of social contacts, and sociophobia often suffer from psoriasis. Their skin seems to be "trying to protect" them with a thick layer of scales from the outside world.

The path to healing

Psychotherapy is a key element in the treatment of psychosomatic skin diseases. Without working with internal causes, it is almost impossible to achieve a lasting result. The modern approach requires comprehensive work: psychological, physical, biochemical.

Among the effective methods is transcranial electrical brain stimulation (TENS), which reduces anxiety, improves mood, and helps restore the balance of the nervous system. Another promising area is ketamine infusion therapy in combination with psychotherapy as a way to work through traumatic experiences and reboot the nervous system.

Additionally, body-oriented therapy, art therapy, and brain rehabilitation programs such as Neurohelp are used. Such an individualized, holistic approach allows not only to relieve symptoms but also to profoundly change the internal mechanisms that trigger the disease.

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