Integrative Treatments for Psoriasis and Alopecia Areata: A Whole-Person Approach
Why a whole-person approach matters for long-term skin conditions
Jennifer Song, MD, joined the Skin and Psych podcast during the Integrative Dermatology Symposium in Palm Springs, California. In a conversation with host Patricia Delgado, NP-C, she talked about two things she cares about most: treating psoriasis with risankizumab (Skyrizi) and using an integrative approach for people with alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss).
Her main message was simple: when skin conditions are driven by the immune system and last a long time, treating the skin alone often isn’t enough. Looking at the whole person — physical health, emotional well-being, lifestyle, and expectations — leads to better care.
What a whole-person approach looks like in practice
Song said most clinic visits don’t leave enough time to cover everything a patient wants to know. Rather than overwhelm someone in a single visit, she often gives small, manageable “homework” — like reading a reliable article or trying one lifestyle change — so patients feel involved and empowered.
People commonly ask about diet, supplements, or topical products. Song encourages sharing information gradually and working together, because patients who understand and participate in their care usually do better over time.
Psoriasis and risankizumab (Skyrizi)
One of Song’s presentations focused on psoriasis, a chronic immune-related condition that often causes red, scaly patches on the skin. She spoke specifically about risankizumab (brand name Skyrizi), a medication used by dermatologists to treat moderate to severe psoriasis.
The talk was part of a broader discussion about treatment options and how they fit into a plan that considers a person’s life and goals. If you’re thinking about prescription treatments for psoriasis, talk with your dermatologist about the potential benefits, side effects, and how a medication fits into your overall care plan.
Alopecia areata: more than “just hair”
Alopecia areata is often dismissed as “only hair,” but Song emphasized that hair loss can deeply affect confidence, identity, and emotional health. Because hair regrowth is usually slow, setting realistic expectations is important.
She tells patients that visible improvement commonly takes time — often somewhere between six months and a year. That slow pace can be frustrating, so addressing the emotional and social impacts is a key part of an integrative plan.
Practical takeaways Song plans to use right away
At the conference, Song heard a variety of talks that sparked concrete ideas. One finding she mentioned was that regular coffee seemed to show greater health benefits than decaf in some discussions. She also said she can’t tolerate much caffeine, so she’s thinking about small amounts that won’t cause side effects.
Another hot topic was skin aging and menopause. Song noted that estrogen affects the skin, and some patients ask about topical estrogen or hormone replacement. These questions highlight how women’s health, hormones, and skin aging often need a coordinated, integrative approach. She hopes future care models will bring multiple specialties together under one roof to support patients more fully.
Keeping an eye on visible changes
For conditions that change how the skin or hair looks over time, a simple way to track progress is to take photos at regular intervals. Clear, dated photographs can help you notice small improvements or new concerns and make it easier to discuss changes with your dermatologist.
When to see a doctor
Talk with a dermatologist if you have sudden or rapidly spreading hair loss, painful or infected areas on the scalp or skin, bleeding, or any worrisome new or changing lesions. For chronic conditions like psoriasis or alopecia areata, seeing a specialist can help you understand treatment options, realistic timelines for improvement, and ways to address emotional impacts.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes an interview and conference discussion. It is for general information and is not medical advice. Treatment choices and timing should be discussed with your doctor or dermatologist. If you have severe symptoms or are unsure about a change in your skin or hair, seek professional care promptly.
Sources
- Interview with Jennifer Song, MD, on the Skin and Psych podcast at the Integrative Dermatology Symposium (IDS), Palm Springs, CA (conversation with Patricia Delgado, NP-C).