Dermatol. praxi. 2023;17(1):29-32 | DOI: 10.36290/der.2023.006

Psychodermatology in childhood

MUDr. Hana Obluková

Dětské kožní oddělení Pediatrické kliniky FN Brno

Psychodermatology is an interdisciplinary approach dealing with the mutual interactions between the nervous, endocrine, immune and skin systems on the one hand and behavioral outcomes on the other. Skin diseases are visible to the patient and his/her surroundings and are usually chronic with episodic character of exacerbations and remissions. They affect self-schema, arouse feelings of guilt, and are associated with myths surrounding lack of hygiene and contagiousness. Knowledge of the basics of developmental neurology and psychology is needed to assess the impact of the disease on the child's psyche. In young children, the relationship with the primary caregiver - the mother - is crucial. The most common dermatoses with a significant psychosocial impact in children include atopic dermatitis. Skin diseases with primary psychopathology include arteficial dermatoses or manifestations of obsessive-compulsive behaviour.

Keywords: psychodermatology, children, atopic dermatitis, developmental psychology, skin diseases with primary psychopatology.

Accepted: March 23, 2023; Published: March 28, 2023  Show citation