Psychosomatic Aspects and Psychiatric Conditions

Abstract

Both the skin and the central nervous system have their embryologic origin in the ectoderm; they are functionally closely connected. Colloquially, we therefore speak of “the skin as the mirror of the soul.”

Skin is a communicative organ and plays an important role in personal development and in social contacts throughout life. It is sensitive to tactile impulses and “replies” to emotional stimuli (i.e., blushing in the case of shame, turning pale in the case of fear, etc.)

Cutaneous stimuli during childhood seem to be an important factor for cell growth and maturation of the central nervous system; this has been demonstrated both in animal experiments as well as in premature children. A chronic itching dermatosis during infancy influences tactile stimulation: For example, an infant with neurodermatitis may experience environmental conditions that healthy children find agreeable, i.e., warmth, touching, hugging by primary care givers, to trigger or to increase itching; this might be experienced as unpleasant, eliciting crying thus making the principle care givers feel insecure in their reaction to the child. Itching may also lead to sleeping disorders, reduced concentration and a worsening of school performance, noticeable skin lesions may lead to teasing, stigmatization, and thus influencing self-confidence, choice of profession, and choice of partner. Chronic itching may thus have a strong influence on the development of body perception, communication, and relational experience.