How Hypnotherapy Assists in Managing Skin Conditions
Hypnotherapy can help individuals with skin conditions by:
- Relaxing
- Resisting the urge to scratch itchy skin
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Alleviating discomfort
- Reducing redness
- Reframing fears and phobias
Additionally, hypnotherapy can enhance mood, self-confidence, and improve immune system functioning.
According to Dermnetnz.org, hypnosis can use visualization techniques to create vivid, meaningful mental images helping those with dermatological disorders, especially those linked to severe itching, pain, or psychological stress.
There’s some controversy surrounding the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for skin conditions, as some individuals respond more positively than others.
Skin Conditions Addressed by Hypnotherapy
According to Dermnet, the following conditions may benefit from hypnotherapy:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Lichen simplex (neurodermatitis)
- Nodular prurigo
- Psoriasis
- Chronic urticaria
- Alopecia areata
- Vesicular hand dermatitis
- Herpes simplex
- Acute herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia
- Hyperhidrosis
- Lichen planus
- Acne excorie
- Erythromelalgia
- Glossodynia
- Rosacea (vascular blushing component)
- Trichotillomania
Impact of Stress on Skin Conditions and Hypnotherapy’s Role
The skin acts as the primary organ for identifying external stress and conveying messages to the brain. Stress hormones like cortisol, secreted by adrenal glands, stimulate inflammatory responses in the body that may disrupt healthy skin functioning. National Library of Medicine’s published studies indicate stress as a causal factor for skin conditions, a trigger for worsening chronic conditions, and an onset catalyst.
Success Stories: Hypnotherapy in Treating Skin Conditions
Practical Dermatology reports numerous studies detailing hypnotherapy’s ability to improve skin conditions:
- Highly hypnotizable psoriasis patients saw up to 75% skin clearing with hypnotherapy.
- Wart treatments averaged 27-55% success rates using hypnosis.
- Atopic dermatitis patients saw a greater reduction in itching, scratching, and sleep disturbances compared to corticosteroid users.
- Immediate relief in levels of itchiness, scratching, and sleep disturbances for 90% of trial patients resistant to atopic dermatitis treatment.
- Pain associated with eczema, post-herpetic neuralgia, and dermatologic surgical procedures was effectively treated with hypnosis.
These results underline hypnotherapy’s potential in treating various skin conditions.
Timeline for Hypnotherapy-induced Skin Condition Improvements
Reactions to hypnotherapy can vary, but 3-6 sessions are usually required. Hypnotherapy for emotions may yield quicker results, while skin healing may take more time.
