title: Role of cultural factors in the biopsychosocial model of psychosomatic skin diseases: an Indian perspective.
abstract: Cultural factors can influence the experience and presentation of diseases, including psychosomatic diseases. Psychosomatic dermatology refers to skin diseases in which psychogenic causes, consequences, or concomitant circumstances have an essential and therapeutically important influence. Indian culture is one of the oldest and most diverse, and encompasses the various traditions and beliefs of people all over the vast Indian subcontinent. This paper discusses how cultural factors can influence the clinical course of some dermatologic problems and reviews the cultural dimension of some common skin conditions in India, including vitiligo, facial hypermelanosis, acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and leprosy. The paper illustrates some examples of the contributions of a patient's cultural values, beliefs, and practices to the biopsychosocial model of psychosomatic skin disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India. shru12@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Shrutakirthi Damodar
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Shenoi
authors.forename: Smitha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Prabhu
mesh_terms: D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000523:psychology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D012923:Social Class; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology