Transforming Skin Health: How Integrating Lifestyle Medicine Enhances Dermatology Practice | Insights from Dermatology Times

In a recent episode of Derm Dispatch, Buchi Neita, a dermatology physician assistant, shared her journey into lifestyle medicine. With her new certification through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), Neita believes this approach can significantly enhance dermatological care.

Neita’s interest in health and fitness drove her to explore lifestyle medicine. Influenced by colleagues, she enrolled in the ACLM diplomate program, which focuses on six key areas: nutrition, exercise, stress management, reducing substance use, restorative sleep, and building social connections. She pointed out that patients often crave this knowledge. “They want to understand the root cause of their issues,” she said.

Neita underscored how this philosophy impacts common skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. While medications are vital, lifestyle changes can offer valuable support. For example, she noted a patient who struggled with acne after returning to a poor diet post-treatment, showing how lifestyle factors can directly affect skin health. Furthermore, patients with conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa can see improvements by adopting healthier eating habits and reducing stress.

The ACLM offers user-friendly resources for clinicians, which Neita finds incredibly helpful. These handouts make it easier for healthcare providers to convey important lifestyle changes to their patients. However, she cautioned that introducing such advice too early can overwhelm patients, especially those dealing with complex issues.

Neita’s personal battle with health challenges after a mild COVID-19 infection inspired her commitment to lifestyle medicine. After experiencing severe fatigue and hypertension, she adopted a plant-based diet and prioritized sleep and exercise. This transformation led her to lose over 30 pounds and regain her health, reinforcing her belief in lifestyle interventions.

She encourages her colleagues to consider pursuing similar certifications. “It validates your expertise,” she noted, emphasizing that it equips healthcare providers with the skills necessary to make a real difference in patient care.

Looking ahead, Neita hopes to inspire other dermatologists to embrace lifestyle medicine alongside traditional treatments. With changes in global health conversations, especially following recent World Health Organization discussions on skin health, there’s a growing recognition of dermatology’s role in comprehensive health care. Integrating lifestyle medicine could ultimately reshape practices, benefiting both clinicians and patients alike.

Source link