Dermatoses due to Indian cultural practices

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Cultural Practices
• Public Health

Background:

• Socio-religious and cultural practices in the Asian subcontinent are associated with numerous skin diseases.
• Dermatologists may overlook these conditions due to a lack of awareness regarding specific cultural applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the spectrum of cutaneous side effects resulting from common socio-religious and cultural practices in the Asian subcontinent.
• To emphasize the importance of dermatologists being aware of these practice-related dermatoses in an era of globalization.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature and clinical observations linking specific cultural practices to dermatological conditions.
• Categorization of skin diseases based on the associated practice (e.g., henna, kumkum, Holi colors, threading, alternative medicines).

Main Results:

• Henna and kumkum can cause hypersensitivity reactions, contact dermatitis, and pigmentary changes.
• Sticker bindis, alta, Holi colors, threading, and hair oils can lead to contact dermatitis, leukoderma, and koebnerization.
• Alternative medicines may cause heavy metal/steroid toxicity and severe cutaneous adverse effects.
• Religious practices like prayer and specific attire can result in conditions like prayer nodules and traction alopecia.

Conclusions:

• Cultural and religious practices are significant, often underrecognized, causes of diverse skin diseases across the Asian subcontinent.
• Increased global migration necessitates dermatologists' familiarity with these practice-induced dermatoses to ensure accurate diagnosis and management.