A collaborative article with contributions from Ciprian Sas and Fernando Meri
In my article about psoriasis, I invited you to read the contributions of other professionals, which may surprise you. Here they are. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Ciprian Sas: The psychological factor in skin diseases
When it comes to dermatological diseases, the causes can be numerous. Among them are those linked to a stereotype: a combination of environmental elements and genetic factors.
There are also cases where the outbreak stems from psychological disturbances. Whether we're referring to disharmonious personalities, a damaged self-image, or even a lack of complete self-integration—of one's own identity—the same impact can determine a low quality of sociocultural and personal development.
Given the low self-esteem and self-confidence, the individual's self-image is characterized by a focus on negative attributes, which are judged socially. In fact, their social image is practically nonexistent, and consequently, their self-perception is nullified.
The impact according to age
The intensity and impact that these characteristics have on the person depends a lot on their age.
In the case of the adolescent: The personality is still developing. The need to belong to a group or social circle is very strong, making it much easier to fall into different forms of depression. Deeper, long-term scars may remain, given that the personality is still forming.
In the case of adults: Reactions can vary greatly, in the sense that each person perceives, analyzes, and assimilates in a way that is related to their accumulated life experience, childhood trauma, and socio-professional and family background, generating their own structure of perception of the cause and consequence of the disease.
Support as a key factor
In general, regardless of whether the psychological factor is a trigger for developing the disease, it certainly represents a very significant element in the course of treatment and adaptation to the present situation.
It depends on each individual and their sociocultural relationship to be able to rely on people where they find support, direction, and are less judged in order to move forward.
Within the family, there is an emotional impact that every individual seeks as a way to improve their mood. Emotional intelligence, clarity, and quality of communication among all members are highly relevant.
The perspective of the person experiencing the problem is very important: understanding their level of empathy and whether they are willing to accept help or not.
There's another side: the action side. We research, we work, we seek support, studies, various alternatives, natural treatments, travel... All this to complete a positive action that can convey a sense of belonging.
Even if we talk and nothing is resolved immediately, when things happen and the person feels supported —and also surrounded by healthy and non-toxic relationships— ideas are revived, dreams return, and confidence returns.
Fernando Meri: The skin, the mirror of the soul
The skin is a reflection of our emotions and our being.
The skin, besides being the largest part of our body, is also the most important. A true reflection of our emotions, our feelings, how we are feeling, and above all, our inner peace.
We're always rushing around, so much so that we don't even realize the true importance of our skin. I wonder: have you ever stopped to think that it's the outer layer of your inner universe? It's where we feel, breathe, and where all sorts of chemical and electrical reactions take place. A universe of cells and atoms whose incredible functions help us maintain a healthy state.
Beyond treatments
To achieve healthy and radiant skin —being the outer part of our entire body and the most visible part, our face— it is so interesting to become aware of the emotions and feelings that our body harbors and that our mind generates.
In addition to all treatments, both medical and aesthetic, and relying on the booming field of cosmetology, we must take nutrition into account: what we eat and drink, basically what we want for our body.
Without forgetting the great importance of our thoughts, emotions and feelings throughout the day, since they will generate an emotion and that same emotion, in the end, will bring with it a feeling.
Therefore, it is best that we always delve into the depths of our being to offer ourselves well-being and realize that both positive thoughts and emotions are what will help us to dispense with a negative and uncertain emotional state that would trigger a visible change in the skin.
The face is the mirror of the soul
There are sayings from popular wisdom that I find myself recognizing and firmly believe have a lot of truth to them. For example, when it's said that The face is the mirror of the soul: facial expressions constantly reflect our state of well-being or discomfort.
Our skin, in addition to reflecting our mood, gives us clues about proper nutrition, hydration that can revive us or, on the contrary, can create a path of stress or worry due to dehydration.
One of these conditions, often a result of anxiety, stress, or worry, is psoriasis, like many other skin diseases. Many doctors have already established a direct correlation between psoriasis and anxiety, stress, and worry.
Our thoughts generate emotions, and if these emotions are negative, they affect our immune system, particularly in areas where the body has the least defense. This could include the respiratory system, the digestive system, or the nervous system, which together can disrupt our overall health.
A holistic approach
My recommendation, as holistic beings, is to integrate medicine, psychology, neuroscience, nutrition, dermatological treatments, sports, and of course, also train our mind, our brain, our heart, to guide us towards peace, well-being, health, and loving ourselves a little more each day.
I firmly believe that by working on our mind, brain, and nervous system, we produce chemical and electrical substances in our bodies that are very beneficial for our overall well-being. This will be reflected not only in our skin but also throughout our entire organism.
As we realize each day that life is a gift and that each day can be a challenge, we must enjoy it as much as possible by living in the present, in the now. Letting go of the past and fully enjoying the moment, visualizing what we want in the future, but living fully in the now with an attitude of deep peace and well-being.
Your body will thank you, and of course, your skin will too. And especially, your being will be in harmony.
So what now?
That said, I'd love to ask you a question: It's not that big of a deal, is it?
If after reading this article you feel you've experienced the same symptoms and we can help, don't hesitate. You're in the right place, and you've already chosen the time.