Oleg I. Reznik, M.D.   Board Certified Family Physician

Assistant Professor at OHSU  Department of Family Medicine

Skin Disorders

The connection between the skin and social-emotional life is evident from the myriad of idiomatic expressions involving it. Thus we can be “thick skinned” or “thin skinned” denoting our emotional sensitivity. Emotional situation can make “one’s skin crawl” making a connection between emotional states and a sensation if itching as if insects were crawling on or under one’s skin. Skin is, at the same time, superficial and subtle as in “beauty is only skin-deep” and “escape by the skin of one’s teeth”, and essential as in “to save one’s skin”. Here we connect with an ancient mystical maxim of as above so below, as outside so inside. The skin represents our deepest and most hidden inside. It is also connected with sensing, sensuality, sexuality and loving.

A rash, also often termed an eruption in medical terms, can represent an eruption of an emotion such as anger (angry eruptions are usually red, such a rash is often described as angry), or fear (fright rash is usually white). In children rashes may have to do with a family dynamic, where the child expresses what happens in the family through his body.

In Eczema—fierce, volcanic anger that cannot find an adequate outlet can often be uncovered.

In Psoriasis—a combination of anger and grief, turmoil, confusion, frustration about social relationships, feelings that go into “deep freeze”, as often reflected by the very white scaling covering the affected areas, may be explored. There may also be a relationship between this condition and toxic build up in the colon that accompanies poor dietary habits.

In Acne—feelings of embarrassment about making social contacts is the most common theme.

As with other conditions, mind-body medicine uses mental imagery exercises to both uncover and reverse the habitual maladaptation.

Volcanic Eruption

Acne Eruption

Psoriasis Eruption