Evaluation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as Additional Therapy for Moderate Itchy Psoriasis or Atopic Dermatitis

What this Trial Is About

Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are common inflammatory skin conditions involving severe itching and skin inflammation, affecting over 120 million people worldwide. These diseases cause distress due to intense itching that leads to a cycle of scratching and worsened symptoms, impacting quality of life and mental health. Researchers are evaluating whether mindfulness meditation, a mental training method to regulate stress and emotions, can reduce itching and improve well-being in patients with moderate pruritic psoriasis or atopic dermatitis who are not using systemic treatments. The study compares two groups: one participates in an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program featuring weekly 2.5-hour sessions, longer first and last sessions, an optional 6-hour intensive practice day, and guidance by an instructor using meditation, stretching, yoga, and group discussions. The other group receives standard care with no additional intervention. Audio recordings and a manual support home practice for the MBSR group. Participants will be assessed for itching severity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 8 weeks as the primary outcome. Additional evaluations include itch scales, stress markers in saliva and serum, skin lesion severity indexes, number of scratches per day, use of dermatocorticoids, and psychological stress scales at 8 and 16 weeks. The study involves randomized allocation without blinding and monitors changes in symptoms and quality of life over this period.

Meditation in Inflammatory Dermatosis