Holistic approach to in-patient dermatological rehabilitation

Chronic diseases usually limit patients severely in their working, social and family life. With many chronic or chronically recurring skin diseases, particularly atopic disorders, it is often impossible to define specific causes that will respond to treatment. Since a full cure cannot be achieved in constitutional dermatoses, a holistic therapeutic approach is required. This must go beyond the identification, treatment and cure of the disease, and take into account the reciprocal interactions between the patient's organic, emotional and social symptoms. Based on the bio-psycho-social model of disease and health, modern dermatological rehabilitation therefore applies a holistic concept which goes well beyond dermatological treatment, also including the dimensions of function, activity, participation and context. The holistic approach is based on findings in rehabilitation science and takes into account the principles of complexity, interdisciplinary care and individuality.