ABSTRACT
Embryologically, skin and the central nervous system (CNS) have the same origin in the ectoderm and are functionally closely related. One speaks of the skin as ‘reflecting the soul’. Skin is a communication organ and plays an important role in the development and socialization over a whole life span. Skin is sensitive to tactile stimuli and responds to emotional stimuli. Skin diseases have a direct influence on communication, physical experience, as well as sexuality. Since skin is subject to one’s own perception as well as those of others, skin diseases provoke reactions from the social environment and have an influence on self-confidence as well as relationships to other people culminating in either real or alleged stigmatization. Because of the immediate availability of their skin manifestation, patients have access to their lesions at all times, so that behavioural aspects (such as scratching, touching, exaggeration or neglect of the required skin care) may lead to new lesions and complications in the course of the disease. Personality aspects, certain coping strategies as well as mechanisms, lifestyle, support, and acceptance through the social environment also play an important role.
