[Hypnosis in dermatology]

Almost all skin diseases are caused by a variety of factors with psychogenic factors having a great influence on progression and the development of chronic conditions. After remarks on this aspect, the techniques employed in hypnosis therapy are described and psychosomatic skin diseases are outlined. Personal experience in the treatment of viral skin diseases is then described in detail and some aspects of the treatment of bacterial, reactive and psychosomatic diseases are presented. Behavioural disturbances related to dermatological problems and essential pruritus are also mentioned.