For 10 years I have been struggling with eczema. Creams and treatments only did so much, and it never went away for long. I found that stress provoked my eczema and thought that there were underlying psychological reasons, but didn't know where to get help. Desperate I turned to the web and found this excellent book that details the reasons behind skin conditions, how to relieve the condition and to explore and deal with the underlying problem. The exercises to relieve itching work and the accounts of other people's conditions are enlightening.

The program Dr. Grossbart presents in his book Skin Deep is impressive and effective.The book provides not only a vivid account of what he does in his office in Boston, but a wide range of practical techniques that people can use on their own. As a colleague, I've referred many people to him. I've seen the approach work with psoriasis, eczema, herpes, warts , and other skin diseases. Often symptoms disappear, or are substantially reduced in frequency or severity. People come away with both skin help and markedly increased self-understanding that leads to improvements in many other areas of their lives. I've heard that people with skin problems that have not responded to the usual medical treatments come from all over the world to see him. I think this is justified. His program is "the real thing."

This is the best self-help book I've read. The healing exercies oulined by the authors are not in the least bit "new-agey" and etheral, but are parctical and down-to-earth. As a reader you are encouraged to dig deep into your own psyche to discover the sensitive issues behind your skin problem and you are emotionally supported every step of the way as if you were actually in the doctor's office. Anyone with the drive to acquire self-knowledge will gain valuable insights from reading this book. For me personally, the "animal test" and the sections on "what if it got better/what if it got worse" were particularly enlightening. This book should be a mandatory read for all doctors applying for board certification in dermatology.