UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS, APRIL 2014Human beings are lucky to have such an amazing natural covering—our skin. We and our largest organ constitute a partnership that thrives every day as one nourishes, protects, and even learns from the other. Yet, sometimes there is a malfunction in our skin barrier, and in the pages of my latest book, The Blue Man, I explore both the reasons for and the stories behind these unfortunate maladies. The book describes the agony of certain diseases and their attendant psychological toll; how the skin and our perception of it influence our social, cultural, spiritual, and physical being; and how we can profit from getting to know our skin better.
Each day I try to heal the pain, both physical and psychological, caused by illnesses of the skin. On many days, my primary role is that of a sympathizer, explaining to many patients that their skin diseases are not only chronic in nature but, at best, only treatable in a palliative sense. Although there may be a general perception that most skin conditions are minor or superficial, patients with protracted and severe conditions often endure serious psychosocial repercussions. Not only can these illnesses disrupt their work lives, they can also disturb many activities of daily living, including sleep, hobbies, and social contact. Using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and other quality of life (QOL) studies, researchers have uncovered significant ...
