PSYCHE AND THE SKIN

Itchiness. A severe or even mild itch, whether localized or generalized, is, in the absence of any prior external or internal disease, most likely to be psychogenic. Often this itch may occur in an area highly endowed with nerve endings, such as around the genitals or the anal area. Various possible psychological reasons and explanations have been given for this particular symptom. These include displaced sexual gratification; a need for self-inflicted injury to satisfy masochistic impulses; the relief of tension by the neuromuscular exercise of scratching, and the expression of shame, guilt, or exhibitionistic traits.

Eczema. There are three forms of eczema, all occurring in adults, which are thought to have a strong emotional basis. These are: the so-called discoid eczema, which occurs in coin-shaped spots, mainly on the limbs, and which is extremely itchy; dyshidrotic eczema, which occurs about the fingers and toes, as small, itchy bubbles under the skin; and lichen simplex, which is a well-localized thickened area of skin which is extremely itchy. Lichen simplex may occur on any area of the body, but always in an easily accessible place. Sufferers of these forms of eczema obviously require treatment to the skin and, in addition, an understanding doctor to help them sort out, or at least talk over, the underlying problems or anxieties.

Trichotillomania. This is not such a rare condition, but it is one which frequently goes unrecognized in its minor form. Principally, it occurs in children who seek neurotic satisfaction through pulling out their own hair. Usually they select the hair of the scalp, and less often the eyebrows. The principal element in the psychodynamic of children is the turning on oneself of unexpressed rage at rejecting parents. This is the transformation of a sadistic instinct into a masochistic one. Hair pulling may be missed if it is not considered in relation to patients thought to have ringworm, alopecia areata, etc.

Adults who inflict this condition on themselves are often deeply disturbed individuals, usually with sexual conflicts which, basically, resolve around the notion that sex is dirty, filthy, and repugnant; they contrive to ’shed’ these feelings by pulling out their hair and making themselves less likely objects of sexual attention.

*23\44\4*

Random Posts

• AROMATHERAPY: BLENDING ESSENTIAL OILS AND METHOD OF USE
• DIABETES IN ADOLESCENCE: TEENAGERS DON’T ALWAYS OBEY ALL THE RULES
• HYPERVENTILATION: WHAT IS IT?
• SKIN PROBLEMS: ACNES
• HOW NOT TO PANIC; WHAT YOUR DREAMS REALLY MEAN
• YOUR MARITAL HEALTH/SEX AND PROBLEMS OF DAILY LIVING: PERSONAL PLAY AND MARITAL PLEASURE: SPOUSEHOOD AND “SPERSONHOOD” – SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING RECREATIONAL TIME TOGETHER
• HOW DO I COME OFF MY PILLS? ACUTE WITHDRAWAL IN HOSPITAL
• USING ST JOHN’S WORT IN SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD): HOW LONG SHOULD YOU CONTINUE TO TREAT YOUR WINTER DEPRESSION?
• SYSTEM OF PREVENTING HEART ATTACKS: HOW EUROPEAN PREVENTIVE AND RECONDITIONING PROGRAMS SAVE LIVES
• MEDICAL DOCTORS PRESCRIBE FASTING IN EUROPE