[The psychology and pathology of the pilosebaceous follicle]

The mind plays a dual role in the pathology of the hair follicle: the disease has repercussions on the mind, and the mind in turn may trigger off or exacerbate its course. As all skin diseases, those involving the hair follicles have much to do with vision, and they profoundly alter the images the subjects has of himself (self image) and offers to other persons. Repercussions on the mind are particularly intense with these diseases since they usually occur on the face and during adolescence. It results from these findings that a dual, somatic and psychological approach of the patient is indispensable. Moreover, this approach increases the patient's compliance with the treatment prescribed.