Lecture Notes: Psychological and Skin Disorders & Patient Considerations in Skin Health

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Lectures 10–11 on psychodermatology, patient considerations, and pharmacist roles in skin health.

Psychodermatology

Interaction between psychological state and skin health; includes primary psychiatric disorders, secondary psychiatric disorders, and psychophysiologic disorders.

Primary psychiatric disorders

Psychiatric illness whose symptoms create skin problems (e.g., self-induced cutaneous issues).

Secondary psychiatric disorders

Skin diseases that lead to psychiatric distress, such as acne, psoriasis, and vitiligo.

Psychophysiologic disorders

Skin diseases worsened by stress and emotions; stress can down-regulate immunity and trigger flares.

Self-induced cutaneous problems

Skin issues caused by the patient’s own behaviors (e.g., scratching, picking, pulling).

Trichotillomania

Hair-pulling disorder resulting in hair loss and skin damage.

Delusions of parasitosis

Belief of infestation by parasites despite medical evidence to the contrary.

OCD spectrum disorders

Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders; common in dermatology and often involve repetitive skin-directed behaviours.

Compulsions

Ritualistic behaviours such as scratching or handwashing that may worsen skin conditions.

Formication

Sensation of insects crawling on or under the skin; can occur in drug-induced psychosis (e.g., methamphetamine).

Itch-scratch cycle

Feedback loop where itch leads to scratching, which worsens itching and skin symptoms.

Psoriasis

Chronic inflammatory skin disease often worsened by stress; associated with depression and immune changes.

Eczema

Inflammatory skin condition characterized by itch and rash; can be triggered or worsened by stress.

Atopic dermatitis

A form of eczema; in children, sleep disturbance and parental stress; in adults, higher anxiety and reduced sexual desire.

Stress

Physiological state that can down-regulate immunity and trigger or worsen skin conditions.

Acne

Common skin condition linked to psychosocial issues; higher prevalence of social phobia among sufferers.

Vitiligo

Depigmented skin condition that can cause distress and psychiatric symptoms.

Depression

Mood disorder frequently associated with chronic skin diseases and quality-of-life impact.

Social phobia

Anxiety about social situations; often elevated in patients with acne, psoriasis, and other skin diseases.

Sleep disturbance

Disruption of sleep associated with atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions; contributes to daytime distress.

Lithium

Mood stabilizer; adverse skin effects include hair loss, acne, and psoriasis.

Isotretinoin

Oral retinoid for severe acne; linked to depression and suicidal ideation.

Antidepressants (photosensitivity)

Antidepressants can increase sensitivity to sunlight, raising sunburn risk.

Antihistamines

Medications that can cause confusion or depressive symptoms in some patients.

Antimalarials

Drugs that may induce psychosis in some individuals.

Antipsychotics

Medications that can cause skin reactions such as rash or urticaria in some patients.

Stigma

Negative judgments leading to isolation and perceived contagion in skin disease.

Quality of Life (QoL)

Overall impact of skin disease on confidence, daily activities, relationships, and treatment adherence.

Anxiolytics

Drugs used to reduce anxiety; may be employed in managing dermatological psychosocial distress.

Ointments

Greasy topical preparation that provides the best barrier for dry skin.

Creams

Balanced topical formulation providing moisture and comfort.

Lotions

Light, non-greasy formulations suitable for hairy areas.

Gels

Non-greasy, transparent formulations good for oily skin.

Topical corticosteroids

Steroid skin treatments; potency chosen by severity, age, and body site; use fingertip unit guidance to dose.

Fingertip unit

A practical measure to quantify the amount of topical corticosteroid to apply.