Stress and psoriasis: the importance of insight and empathy in prognosis.

The literature concerning the relationship between psoriasis and stress is reviewed. It is concluded that emotional stress is a significant precipitating factor. Treatment of stress is prognostically beneficial when patients understand the stress flare phenomenon and gain insight into the nature of any emotional trauma they have suppressed. Details of such insight are given and a consultation setting is described that has helped gain such rapport. It is shown that a significantly improved prognosis follows early and complete clearing of the rash.