Psychoneuroimmunology and skin diseases

Abstract

Psychoneuroimmunology has emerged as a broad interdisciplinary field examining the interaction between the psychological state, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. Psychodermatology or psychocutaneous medicine is an intersection of psychiatry, psychology and dermatology. There is a growing awareness of the connection between psychosocial stress and somatic illnesses, including dermatological diseases. Psychosomatic factors are considered significant in more than a third of people suffering from skin diseases. Communication between the psyche and the skin is a complex interaction of psychological, immunologic and endocrine factors with the skin, involving a number of neuropeptides, interleukins and immune system mediators. The skin, being the largest organ of the body, is equipped with metabolic and endocrinological capacities that facilitate homeostatic control between internal and external environments. In addition to psychosocial stress, factors relevant for a psychoneuroimmunological approach to skin diseases include nutrition, gut and skin microbiota, sleep and circadian rhythm, physical activity, and orthomolecular medicine. Knowledge of psychoneuroimmunological mechanisms and factors relevant for a holistic approach is very important for a better and broader understanding of skin diseases, and for better therapeutic outcomes for patients.