A relationship between psychological factors and skin diseases has long been hypothesized. Psychodermatology addresses the interaction between the mind and the skin. Today, we know that it is essential to consider biopsychosocial approaches to treatment, involving general practitioners, psychiatrists, dermatologists and psychologists. However, Psychodermatology is a relatively new discipline, and the body of literature addressing it is still scarce. Chronic skin disease involves life adaptation which, in most cases, results in lowers life quality, influencing patient’s social life and making the treatment more difficult. Noticeability of skin lesions exposes the patient to negative society reactions and stigmatization because of disfigurement, resulting in patient’s loss of self-confidence. Factors like severe anxiety, emotional instability and loss of self –confidence reduce the quality of life and working abilities in such patients. Psychosomatic components play a significant role in a number of inflammatory, immune mediated and behavioral skin disorders (Panconesi, 2005). In one study, 10% of patients at a dermatology clinic had psychosomatic disorders and another 15% had adjustment disorders (Seyhan, Aki, Karincaoglu, & Ozcan, 2006). Reducing stress and emotions and behavioral habits that damage skin, hair, or nails can enhance response to treatment when used in conjunction with other appropriate treatments for the specific skin disorders. Stress may be measured with subjective units of distress on a 0–10 scale and may be reduced with heart rate variability biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral methods, hypnosis and self-hypnosis, meditation, relaxation training, or yoga (Ehlers, Stangler, & Gieler, 2005; Hughes, Brown, Lawlis, & Fulton, 1983).
