Alternative Psychotherapeutic Approaches to the Treatment of Eczema

Abstract

Introduction

Patients with eczema suffer from high psychological burden, often caused and exacerbated by chronic pruritus, which leads to a vicious itch-scratch cycle. Although much of the literature focuses on treating the physiological factors that lead to pruritus, little attention has been given to the cognitive, behavioral, and social factors associated with the itch-scratch cycle. We conducted a literature review to investigate whether treatments aimed at psychosocial factors could be effective for patients with eczema.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted through PubMed and EMBASE. Original investigative articles that focused on psychotherapeutic interventions for eczema and/or eczema-related psychological morbidities were reviewed.

Results

Psychotherapeutic interventions alongside standard medical care are shown to be beneficial compared to conventional treatments alone, both for eczema and for eczema-associated psychological symptoms. Such interventions include meditation and mindfulness, stress-reduction, habit-reversal training, hypnotherapy, music therapy, massage therapy, and standard psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Conclusion

It is important to recognize the reciprocal relationship between eczema and psychosocial distress. Alternative treatment options to address psychological factors associated with eczema can improve disease trajectory and quality of life.

Keywords:

• eczema
• atopic dermatitis
• psychotherapy
• mindfulness
• stress-reduction
• habit-reversal training
• hypnotherapy
• music therapy
• massage therapy
• cognitive behavioral therapy

Acknowledgments

No sponsorships or funding were received for this literature review. All authors meet the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) criteria for authorship for this manuscript.

Disclosure

Dr Mio Nakamura reports Research from Galderma, Bristol Myers Squibb, Argenx, and Regeneron, outside the submitted work. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.