Whole-Person Care Guides Psoriasis and Alopecia Areata Management

Jennifer Song, MD, a dermatologist, presented 2 sessions at the Integrative Dermatology Symposium in Palm Springs, California, covering psoriasis treatment with risankizumab (Skyrizi) and an integrative approach to alopecia areata. In an interview with the Skin and Psych podcast, Soung discussed how a whole-person approach can shape care for patients with chronic autoimmune skin diseases and hair loss. She also addressed the psychosocial burden of alopecia areata and growing conversations around skin aging and menopause.

Whole-Person Approach to Chronic Skin Disease

Soung said the whole-person approach stood out to her at the conference, particularly for chronic autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. She noted that routine visits often do not allow enough time to address every aspect of a patient's care, making it helpful to introduce information gradually rather than overwhelming patients.

"It's really about treating the patient as a whole," Soung said.

Soung described sharing a focused piece of information during individual visits and sometimes assigning patients reading to complete between appointments. She also noted that patients frequently ask about diet, peptides, and supplements, creating opportunities to provide information and involve them more directly in their care.

"When you empower the patient with more information and get them involved, then those are the situations where you have the best outcomes," Soung said.

Addressing the Psychosocial Impact of Alopecia Areata

Soung's second presentation focused on an integrative approach to alopecia areata, a topic she described as "near and dear" to her heart. She said patients with alopecia areata may encounter the perception that their condition is "just hair," despite its broader effects on their lives.

"It's really a condition that hits at your confidence, your emotional well-being, and identity," Song said.

Soung emphasized the importance of addressing the psychosocial component of alopecia areata alongside treatment. She also highlighted the need to establish realistic expectations because hair regrowth can be a slow process.

"I'm hoping that we see visible results somewhere between 6 months and a year," Song said.

Setting those expectations can be particularly important for patients who may initially anticipate rapid improvement, Soung explained, as changes can be difficult to recognize when patients see themselves in the mirror every day.

Skin Aging, Menopause, and a Vision for Integrative Care

Reflecting on lessons from the symposium, Soung highlighted a session on skin aging and menopause as particularly relevant to her practice. She said many of her patients already ask about the topic and expressed interest in learning more about the underlying science and how best to guide them.

"There's no doubt that estrogen plays a huge role in skin aging," Soung said.

Soung raised questions about the potential roles of topical estrogen and hormone replacement in this area, while emphasizing that women's health is another field that benefits from an integrative approach.

Looking ahead, Soung said the range of disciplines involved in whole-person care aligns with a broader vision she has developed throughout her career.

"I kind of dream of a center that has multiple disciplines in terms of taking care of patients," Soung said.

References

1. Skin & Psych Podcast. Dermatology Times. Accessed August 26, 2026. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/podcasts/skin-and-psych-podcast
2. Hanson KA, Austin J, Clayton N, et al. Patient-reported psychosocial burdens and quality of life and work productivity impacts among patients with clinically distinct alopecia areata severity profiles. Adv Ther. 2025;42(9):4556-4570. doi:10.1007/s12325-025-03302-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40690154/