Review article
https://doi.org/10.24869/psihei.2024.120
TOUCH AND SKIN DISEASES
Ika Rončević-Gržeta
; Klinika za psihijatriju, KBC Rijeka; Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Katedra za psihijatriju i psihološku medicinu, psihijatrica, edukatorica iz grupne analize
Marina Bolanča Erak
; Klinika za psihijatriju i psihološku medicinu, KBC Zagreb, psihijatrica, psihoanalitička psihoterapeutkinja
Abstract
The skin and the sense of touch are the earliest to develop during intrauterine development,
which speaks of their importance both biologically and emotionally. Skin and brain
are connected bidirectionally. Brain regions, neurotransmitter and hormonal systems associated
with touch and recognition of the emotional meaning of touch, are well known. The
sense of touch plays an important role in communication and conveying different emotions.
Communication through touch begins intrauterine and is the first form of communication
after birth. Skin-to-skin contact, child care, cuddling, hugs and other ways of stimulating
the sense of touch are important for biological growth and development, as well as for psychological
health. The dimension of the role of touch is best understood through examples
of deprivation of this sensation. Deprivation of touch at an early age can result in delayed
physical development and delayed cognitive development, as well as changes in behavior
towards aggressive behavior or feelings of shame, and can reduce the chances of recovery
from illness in children, especially in institutions. A number of chronic skin diseases, some
functional and psychosomatic disorders and several mental disorders are associated with
the deprivation of the sense of touch. In this paper, through the presentation of a patient
suffering from psoriasis, we will attempt to present the link between skin and emotions on
a clinical level.
Keywords
touch; touch deprivation; health; mental; somatic
Hrčak ID:
328685
URI
Publication date:
18.12.2024.
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