title: Cutaneous signs of piety.
abstract: It is important for dermatologists to be aware of cutaneous changes related to religious practices to help in their recognition and management. The anatomic location of cutaneous lesions associated with friction from praying varies based on religious practice. Allergic contact dermatitis from products and substances commonly used in worshipping also vary by religion. Some religious practices may render individuals prone to infections that manifest on the skin. Tattoos of godly figures also may adorn the body. Religious practices also have been implicated in cases of urticaria, köbnerization, and leukoderma. This article reviews the clinical presentation of some of the most common cutaneous changes that occur in individuals who practice the following religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Sikhism.
authors.affiliation: D II/127 West Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi 110 023, India. weramesh@gmail.com.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ramesh
authors.forename: Khalid
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Al Aboud
mesh_terms: D046288:Body Piercing / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002562:Ceremonial Behavior; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D006801:Humans; D012067:Religion; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects*