Hypnosis in dermatology

Background: Hypnosis is an alternative or complementary therapy that has be en used since ancient times to treat medical and dermatologic problems. Objective: To describe the various uses for hypnosis as an alternative or c omplementary therapy in dermatologic practice. Methods: A MEDLINE search was conducted from January 1966 through December 1998 on key words related to hypnosis and skin disorders. Results: A wide spectrum of dermatologic disorders may be improved or cured using hypnosis as an alter-native or complementary therapy, including acne excoriee, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, congenital ichthyosiform ery throderma, dyshidrotic dermatitis, erythromelalgia, furuncles, glossodynia, herpes simplex, hyperhidrosis, ichthyosis vulgaris, lichen planus, neurode rmatitis, nummular dermatitis, postherpetic neuralgia, pruritus, psoriasis, rosacea, trichotillomania, urticaria, verruca vulgaris, and vitiligo. Conclusion: appropriately trained clinicians may successfully use hypnosis in selected patients as alternative or complementary therapy for many derma tologic disorders.