Integrative Treatment Approaches with Mind–Body Therapies in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathophysiology characterized by intense pruritus, often associated with psychological stress and atopic and non-atopic comorbidities that significantly reduce quality of life. The psychological aspects of AD and the interaction between the mind and body via the skin–brain axis have led to an interest in mind–body therapies (MBT). The aim of this article is, therefore, to reinforce the importance of psychodermatological care in AD. We performed a focused literature review on holistic practices or integrative MBT in AD, including education, cognitive behavioral therapy, habit reversal, meditation, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, autonomous sensory meridian response, music therapy, massage, and touch therapy. A multidisciplinary holistic approach with MBT, in addition to conventional pharmacologic antipruritic therapies, to break the itch–scratch cycle may improve AD outcomes and psychological well-being. Although there is a paucity of rigorously designed trials, evidence shows the potential benefits of an integrative approach on pruritus, pain, psychological stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. Relaxation and various behavioral interventions, such as habit reversal therapy for replacing harmful scratching with massaging with emollient ‘plus’, may reduce the urge to scratch, while education may improve adherence to conventional therapies.