Skin diseases such as psoriasis and neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis) have increased significantly in recent decades. There is usually no clear answer as to why, if and when such skin diseases break out, as many factors are relevant here. They are often genetically predisposed, but in addition to external triggers and mechanical skin irritation, mental health also plays an important role.

Study proves connection between skin diseases and mental illnesses

In a European study, around 3,600 people with skin diseases in 13 countries were surveyed and examined by scientists.1 The scientists found that 29% of skin sufferers also suffered from a mental illness. It was also found that the proportion of people with depression was more than twice as high among the skin sufferers, and that anxiety disorders or suicidal thoughts were one and a half times more common than in the control group.

Connection between skin and psyche

Psychological stress can exacerbate atopic dermatitis, or suppressed anger manifests itself in hives. Skin diseases in which psychological factors can have a significant influence on the course of the skin disease are:

If psychological problems are associated with a skin disease, treatment will only be successful if the psychological stress is recognized and also treated.

At JUVENIS in Vienna, dermatologists Dr. Tamara Kopp and Dr. Christine Bangert, psychotherapist Hilde Winkler and Dr. Jutta Leth, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapeutic medicine, work together on overlapping problems in order to approach the various needs of patients from different angles.

JUVENIS in Vienna offers services relating to health & prevention, radiance & posture and outer beauty that will make you shine on the outside and increase your well-being.

1 Source:
Dalgard F, Gieler U et al (2014): The psychological burden of skin diseases: a cross-sectional multicenter study among dermatological out-patients in 13 European countries Journal of Investigative Dermatology, epub ahead of print