Skin Problems as the Language of Skin: A Dermatolinguistic Study

Abstract

Dermato-linguistics is a new emerging concept which includes combination of two terms studying different aspects of human body. Derma relates to skin and linguistics relates to language and communication. To communicate we need some sort of language for which Skin has its own language. Skin language is just like a sign language that communicates about our health, lifestyle and psychological situation but this language is not in form of words or sentences. Through symptoms like acne, scars, excessive hair on body, dull skin, wrinkles and other skin conditions skin communicates that there is something wrong with the internal body and it is important to treat it. Usually, people do not understand this language by their own they seek help from dermatologist who can comprehend this nonverbal language. Skin and language both play crucial role in our interactions with the world. Damaged skin makes a person feel under confident and such person becomes less expressive and starts to hesitate to interact with people and communicate which impacts personality as well as verbal language. The purpose of this study is to create awareness about skin language and help to understand how our skin communicates non- verbally and effects our interactions with others. This research is a qualitative study. A survey was conducted and students from different departments were asked question about their knowledge of skin language and its effect on interaction with other people. The results showed that most of the people who are having any skin issue are unable to understand language of their own skin and sometimes they hesitate to talk about it which results lack of confidence to interact socially or even consult a doctor.