The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2014;3(4):286-299 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2014.3410

Review Article

An overview of Ayurvedic & contemporary approaches to Psychodermatology

Satyapal Singh¹ , J.S. Tripathi² , N.P. Rai³

Satyapal Singh,J.S. Tripathi,N.P. Rai

1. Senior Resident & Research Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
2. Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
3. Professor & Head, Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Abstract

Aim & objective: The main objective of this paper is to increase the awareness of the psychodermal effect of different type of skin diseases with special reference to Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis and Acne. Basis of evidence: The authentic subject material has been reviewed from Ayurveda and modern medical literature. Selected articles from dermatologic and psychiatric literature were reviewed and used as the basis for the discussion of how psychological factors & skin diseases interact with each other and affect patient’s quality of life and selection of appropriate management. Central Message: This review is mainly focused on psychodermal effects of commonly encountered skin ailments - Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis and Acne. Patients with the skin disorder always experience physical, mental and socioeconomic embarrassment in the society. This embarrassment leads to mental stress which further causes aggravation of preexisting disease. More than a cosmetic nuisance, a skin disease produces anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems that affect the patient’s life in many ways comparable to Arthritis, Asthma or other disabling illnesses. Conclusion: The psychodermal aspect of skin diseases is underappreciated. Increased understanding of psychodermal comorbidities associated with skin diseases and a psychodermal approach to the management would ultimately improve patient’s quality of life. In this way, the present review has made a humble effort to clearly understand psychodermal aspects of skin disorders.