Skin Disease/Disorder refers to any condition that affects the skin, which is the body's largest organ. These diseases can range from mild, like acne, to severe, and they may affect appearance, comfort, or overall health.

What is a Skin Disease/ Disorder

Skin Disease/Disorder is a disorder involving the skin, hair, nails, or related glands. It may result from Infections, Allergies, Immune System Issues, Environmental Factors, or Genetics.

Symptoms

·       Itching               

·       Rashes 

·       Redness             

·       Dry, Scaly, peeling or flaky skin

·       Swelling or Inflammation            

·       Skin Discolouration        

·       Thickened Skin

·       Burning or Pain

·       Hair Loss

Causes

Skin Disease/Disorder can be caused by a wide variety of factors, which are broadly classified as infectious, allergic, autoimmune, genetic, environmental, hormonal, lifestyle-related, medication-induced, or linked to underlying health conditions.

Infections, occur when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites invade the skin. Conditions like ringworm, impetigo, herpes, and scabies fall into this category.

Allergic reactions are another frequent cause — exposure to allergens such as certain metals (like nickel), cosmetics, soaps, plants (e.g., poison ivy), or even food items can lead to skin conditions like contact dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and eczema.

Autoimmune diseases also contribute to skin disorders when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. Examples include psoriasis, vitiligo, lupus, alopecia and scleroderma. Some skin conditions are rooted in genetics, meaning they are inherited. These include ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis, and epidermolysis bullosa.

Environmental factors such as pollution, extreme weather, prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, or harsh chemicals can also damage the skin, leading to issues like sunburn, melasma, or photoallergic reactions. Additionally, hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger or worsen skin conditions such as acne, melasma, or perioral dermatitis.

A poor lifestyle or hygiene can also contribute to skin diseases. Irregular skin care, unhealthy diet, smoking, and chronic stress can result in infections, acne, or general skin dullness.

Psychosomatic causes

What is “Psychosomatic” ?

“Psycho” = Mind

“Somatic” = Body

So, psychosomatic means physical conditions influenced by mental or emotional states.

Psychosomatic causes in skin conditions trigger, worsen or maintain psychological or emotional factors—like stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma. These do not mean the disease is "imaginary"; rather, the mind-body connection plays a powerful role in how the skin responds. Several skin conditions are known to have strong psychosomatic links, meaning they are influenced or triggered by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, or emotional trauma.

Psoriasis, for instance, is an autoimmune condition that often worsens during periods of emotional distress or psychological conflict. Similarly, eczema (atopic dermatitis) tends to flare up in response to anxiety or stressful life events, with the itching often becoming more intense when a person is emotionally unsettled.

Urticaria, also known as hives, can be triggered suddenly by acute stress or anxiety, leading to red, itchy welts on the skin. Another condition, neurodermatitis, involves chronic itching and scratching that is frequently driven by underlying emotional tension or frustration. In these cases, the act of scratching can become a psychological coping mechanism.

Acne, a common condition, is often made worse by stress due to its effects on hormonal activity and oil production, which can increase inflammation in the skin. In some individuals, compulsive behaviors such as trichotillomania (hair pulling) may develop in response to anxiety or obsessive thoughts, leading to noticeable skin or hair damage.

Rosacea, which causes redness and flushing of the face, can also flare up in response to stress, anxiety, or embarrassment. Additionally, pruritus (chronic itching without a clear visible cause) is often closely linked to underlying anxiety or depressive disorders.

Diagnosis and findings

Diagnosing Skin Disease/Disorder involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and diagnostic tests. A step-by-step approach is used to determine the type, cause, and severity of the condition.

In AYUSH diagnosis also involves:

• Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis)
• Dosha imbalance assessment (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
• Examination of tongue, eyes, nails, and stool
• Detailed lifestyle and diet evaluation

Cure, Management and Maintenance

The cure for Skin Disease/Disorder depends entirely on the type, cause, and severity of the condition. Some skin conditions are curable, while others are chronic but manageable.

Some Skin Disease/Disorder can be completely cured with appropriate treatment like Bacterial infections (e.g., impetigo, cellulitis) through Antibiotics.Fungal infections (e.g., ringworm, candidiasis) through Antifungal creams or oral meds. Scabies and lice through  Topical or oral antiparasitics.Contact dermatitis (allergic) via Removing allergens, topical steroids

While Chronic/Autoimmune Conditions Diseases like psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, lupus, or rosacea may not be fully curable but can be well-managed to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups through :

• Topical corticosteroids
• Immunosuppressants
• Phototherapy (light treatment)
• Biologics or systemic therapies
• Moisturizers and antihistamines

Side effects

Allopathic medicine is known for providing fast relief, especially in acute conditions like infections, allergic reactions, or severe autoimmune flares. It commonly uses steroids, antibiotics, antifungals, or immunosuppressants, which can quickly control symptoms. However, this rapid effect often comes at a cost. Common side effects include

• Thinning of the skin
• Stretch marks
• Skin discoloration or light patches
• Weight gain, moon face
• Bone thinning
• Increased risk of infections
• Fatigue, nausea, vomiting
• Skin burns or redness
• Premature aging of skin
• Increased risk of skin cancer
• Photosensitivity
• Resistance with long-term use
• Liver toxicity
• Taste changes or loss
• Increased infection risk
• Fatigue or flu-like symptoms
• Expensive and may need lifelong use

Cure and management AYUSH way

• Ayurveda: Balancing doshas, detox (Panchakarma), herbal oils (neem, manjistha, turmeric), lepa (herbal pastes), rasayana therapy
• Homeopathy: Remedies like Graphites, Sulphur, Natrum Mur (individualized to the patient)
• Unani & Siddha: Herbal decoctions, leech therapy, and detoxification
• Yoga & Meditation: Reduce stress (which worsens many skin issues), balance hormones

Lifestyle and Diet-Based Healing

Many skin diseases improve significantly with the right lifestyle:

• Hydration and clean diet (avoid sugar, processed foods, dairy if allergic)
• Stress management (yoga, breathing exercises)
• Proper hygiene and skin care routine
• Avoid triggers: allergens, heat, harsh soaps, synthetic clothing

When Is a Cure Not Possible?

Some conditions, especially genetic or autoimmune ones, cannot be "cured" but can be:

•           Controlled

•           Stabilized

•           Made dormant (no symptoms for long periods)

Side Effects

AYUSH systems typically offer a slower but deeper mode of healing by focusing on restoring internal balance rather than suppressing external symptoms. These systems are mostly plant-based or natural, with low chemical load, and side effects are rare when used under expert guidance. Occasionally, users may experience mild digestive discomfort or a temporary worsening of symptoms during detox or "healing crises," especially in Homeopathy or Ayurveda. However, AYUSH treatments are generally considered safe for long-term use, especially in chronic conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or vitiligo.

Another important difference lies in the risk of allergic reactions. AYUSH systems also have rare allergic responses, usually from specific herbs or mineral compounds, but these are infrequent and milder.

Cost-wise, long-term allopathic treatments— AYUSH therapies are usually more affordable, with less intensive follow-up, relying more on pulse diagnosis, constitutional analysis, or dosha-based evaluation.

Perhaps the most fundamental difference is philosophical: Allopathy tends to suppress symptoms, aiming for immediate relief, while AYUSH systems focus on treating root causes—such as dosha imbalance, lifestyle habits, or emotional stress—thereby reducing the likelihood of recurrence. For this reason, AYUSH therapies are often preferred for chronic, lifestyle-related skin diseases, while Allopathy remains essential for acute or emergency care.