Why is there so little research on the application of psychological techniques to skin problems?
Only a small percentage of dermatologists, allergists, or immunologists specialize in the psychological side of skin disorders. Very few mental health practitioners and researchers have turned their attention to skin problems. Economics is also a factor. What influences the availability of research funding? Psychological approaches can’t be patented and bottled, so few drug companies are handing out research grants. Almost none of these diseases will kill you, which has a strong, negative impact on government research funding. The national organizations that actively lobby for more research typically prioritize drug development and basic medical research. I can’t fault these decisions,everyone’s first choice would be a quick and definitive cure, but we are in an age of new appreciation for the role of psychosocial factors in medicine, and more work is beginning to explore the areas that the Skin Deep program uses. Q: Should I stop using the cream or pills my doctor prescribed when I st
