ABSTRACT
The skin is vital to interpersonal relationships. It is a vital part of our communications system. If it is destroyed or deranged in any way, ‘unfriendly messages’ are transmitted. There is a primitive dislike and distrust of individuals with skin disease or skin deformity. Interestingly, patients with obvious skin disease are also very disturbed by its appearance and tend to shun the company of others and become quite isolated, emotionally disturbed and depressed. Patients with obvious disease of exposed areas, widespread skin disease and persistently itchy skin become depressed and need sympathy and general support, but some may need psychotropic drugs and psychiatric help. Skin disease can be as disabling as disease of other organ systems. Emollients occlude the skin surface, prevent evaporation and cause a build up of water in the stratum corneum. They are helpful for patients with eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.
