[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/10\/integrative-dermatology\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/10\/integrative-dermatology\/","headline":"What Is Integrative Dermatology?","name":"What Is Integrative Dermatology?","description":"

Integrative dermatology takes a holistic approach to skin care, evaluating skin health along with the health of the rest of the body. <\/p>","datePublished":"2024-10-24","dateModified":"2024-10-23","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","name":"Dermatology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/dermatology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GettyImages-1603295554.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GettyImages-1603295554.jpg","height":868,"width":1999},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/10\/integrative-dermatology\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Skin Care"],"wordCount":1354,"articleBody":"UPMC recently launched a new clinic. Our Integrative Dermatology Skincare Center takes a more integrative approach to skin health by examining skin conditions in the context of root causes of disease.It’s the first time a large academic medical center has offered integrative dermatology. Sonal Choudhary, MD, and her team of physician assistants (PAs) are pioneering this new clinic at UPMC.Dr. Choudhary is a double-board certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist trained in integrative dermatology. In this Q&A, she discusses the new clinic in this Q&A.Q: What is integrative medicine?A: Integrative health care refers to bringing traditional \u2014 also known as conventional \u2014 treatment options together with evidence-based complementary treatment options in a coordinated way to treat a specific health concern. It\u2019s not a new concept.Traditional approaches both to diagnosis and treatment often include prescription medications, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. \u00a0Complementary approaches include things like lab testing for gut health, nutritional status, or hormone levels; dietary supplements; herbs; mind-body energy medicine; lifestyle medicine; trauma therapy; massage therapy; and other techniques.Integrative health care is designed to work in conjunction with traditional medicine, providing a whole-person approach to health, including the mind, body, and spirit.Q: What is integrative dermatology?A: Integrative approaches in the treatment of skin conditions have been underexplored in the U.S despite the increasing need for ways to address chronic and relapsing skin issues through a holistic framework.The skin, being the body’s largest organ, often mirrors complex internal health issues. Integrative dermatology seeks to address this by blending the most effective practices of conventional dermatology with the principles of integrative medicine, thereby offering a holistic approach to skin health that considers both internal and external factors.Integrative dermatology is the synthesis of dermatology and integrative medicine. We\u2019re combining or integrating conventional dermatology treatments with complementary alternative and Eastern medicine therapies to address skin issues.Q: How did you get involved in integrative dermatology?A: Central to my journey were my personal health experiences, which led me to encounter providers specializing in functional medicine and integrative health. Their distinctive approach not only made me feel more heard and understood but also involved a thorough evaluation of my health issues from a root-cause perspective. This method provided deeper insights into the disease process and facilitated more precise treatment options.As a dermatology provider, this experience ignited my desire to offer similar care to all my patients, prompting me to pursue a fellowship in integrative dermatology. The fellowship was enlightening, revealing a wealth of scientific but underutilized approaches that can enhance patient care. It also expanded my overall perspective on disease processes by diversifying my collaborative efforts and research.Q: Why is looking at skin holistically or as part of the whole person important?A: Our skin serves as a window into the intricate workings of our bodies, offering vital insights essential for diagnosing, treating, and healing a multitude of disorders.Q: What kinds of conditions do you normally treat with integrative dermatology?A: We can address a wide range of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, alopecia (hair loss), urticaria (hives) with or without associated conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility disorders, and lupus.While an integrative approach can benefit any skin condition, more complex conditions may gain significantly from a deeper exploration of their underlying disease processes.Q: How would an integrative dermatology approach differ from a conventional approach?A: Take eczema, for example. With a traditional approach, I’d typically start with creams, like steroid or nonsteroid options, or maybe pills. These treatments focus on easing the skin symptoms of eczema.But with integrative dermatology, I dig deeper to find out what\u2019s really causing the issue. Instead of just focusing on the disease, this approach centers on the whole patient. I look at their lifestyle, asking about mental health, stress, environmental factors, and other chronic health issues. For instance, could sleep or diet be affecting their skin?I also have the option to order additional tests, such as genetic, hormone, and microbiome analyses, to get a clearer picture of what’s happening inside the body. The skin often reflects internal health, so it\u2019s a valuable indicator for addressing potential health issues early on.Q: What\u2019s the benefit of an integrative dermatology appointment?A: Integrative dermatology appointments are much longer, enabling me to spend a lot of time with the person to gather information and have a dialogue.These appointments aren\u2019t for every dermatology patient. But more and more people are looking for this kind of service. They don\u2019t want just more medication for their issues. They\u2019re focused on finding relief but want to know what\u2019s really causing their issues.Q: How are diet and nutrition related to skin issues?A: There is often a connection between skin conditions, diet, and mental health. One theory that explains this is the gut-brain-skin axis, which suggests a relationship between gut microbiota, emotions, and skin inflammation.For instance, psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition marked by scaly, itchy skin. Factors like diet and sleep can complicate the management of psoriasis-related inflammation. Additionally, having psoriasis can negatively impact quality of life and contribute to depression, which can, in turn, exacerbate inflammation and worsen psoriasis.However, the precise mechanism linking psoriasis and depression is still not fully understood, and this is where the gut-brain-skin axis comes into play.Q: Can you give an example of an evidence-based alternative therapy?A: The herbal supplement neem. In India, neem has been trusted for centuries as an internal detox to clear up mild skin conditions and promote gut health. Its benefits are just now being discovered in Western countries.Q: Why is it important to get to the root cause of some skin issues rather than just treating symptoms?A: For some people, gaining awareness can be empowering, enabling them to make more informed decisions. By understanding how to improve their gut health through lifestyle or diet changes, they can enhance their skin and overall quality of life. These factors do influence our skin health.Many patients have sought out various doctors over the years, only to receive similar medications and treatments each time. Integrated dermatology provides a range of alternatives and expert guidance, allowing patients to leave their appointments feeling more satisfied, knowledgeable, and in control of their conditions.Q: What types of treatments can this offer?A: The treatments are determined by considering many health factors using a thorough history and examination. While using traditional modalities of treatment, the therapy plan can be tailored by including options from herbal medicine, Ayurvedic therapies, traditional Chinese medicines, compounded medicines, dietary counseling, nutrition protocols, mindfulness techniques, and other complementary modalities as applicable.We can also provide referrals to collaborating providers for functional medicine, acupressure and acupuncture, massage therapy, and a host of other specialists.Q: Where is the new center? How will it work?A: The new clinic is at Shadyside Place, located at 580 S. Aiken Ave, Unit 201, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232. The clinic shares the same building as UPMC Integrative Medicine, where some of our collaborators practice.Patients will pay a $50 deposit to secure a comprehensive, 40-minute integrative appointment, which offers significantly more time than the standard 10-minute session. The remaining balance is $200 for appointments with a physician and $130 for appointments with a physician assistant.While many standard therapies may still be covered by the patient\u2019s insurance, a variety of adjunctive tests and treatments offered at this clinic may fall outside of insurance coverage and incur out-of-pocket costs.Q: What are the benefits of a clinic like this one?A: In addition to integrative therapies, we provide opportunities for patients to engage in research, which may include brief surveys, researching innovative treatments, or participating in clinical trials for emerging pharmaceutical therapies.We also offer personalized nutrition consultations, empowering patients to support their skin health from within. Virtual nutrition consultations are also planned for the near future.At the new Integrative Dermatology Skincare Center, we combine traditional approaches with innovative solutions to guide patients on their path to holistic wellness.Sources"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2024","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Is Integrative Dermatology?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/10\/integrative-dermatology\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]