Uniting Dermatology, Psychology & Psychiatry for Better Skin–Mind Health in South Asia
ABOUT SAAPD
25+
IMPACTFUL PROGRAMS
25+
MEMBERS
5+
YEARS OF INSPIRATION
The South Asian Association of Psychodermatology (SAAPD)
The South Asian Association of Psychodermatology (SAAPD) is a professional platform that brings together Dermatologists, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists across South Asia. Our mission is to advance the understanding, research, and clinical care of Psychodermatological conditions, where the skin and mind meet.
About Us
MISSION
To promote interdisciplinary collaboration between Dermatology, Psychology, and Psychiatry in South Asia for holistic patient care.
VISION
To establish Psychodermatology as a recognized subspecialty in South Asia through education, research, and advocacy.
OBJECTIVES
We prioritize the personal growth of each child, nurturing their talents and skills to help them realize their full potential and become confident, capable individuals.
Leadership & Members
Executive Committee
Advisory Board
Dr. Mohammad Jafferany
Professor of Psychodermatology, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences at Central Michigan University College of Medicine. With dual training in Dermatology and Psychiatry, he brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the field of psychocutaneous medicine.
Advisory Board
Prof. Anthony Bewley
Consultant Dermatologist Bart’s Health NHS Trust & Honorary Professor Queen Mary University London, UK. Treasurer and Past-President European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry. UK board representative for European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
Advisory Board
Dr. Shrutakirthi D Shenoi
MD, DVD
Prof & Head
Dept of Dermatology
Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences Mangalore, Karnataka
India
President
Dr. Abdul Latheef E N
MD, DVD, FRCP(Glasg), FIMSA, MSc PSYCHOLOGY
Professor & Head
Dept. of Dermatology & Venereology, Govt. Medical college. Calicut
In charge division of Psychodermatology
Vice President
Dr. Saraswoti Neupane
Professor Head Department of Dermatology and Venereology
Gandaki Medical College
Pokhara, Nepal
Vice President
Dr. Chandani Udagedara
Consultant Dermatologist National Hospital Kandy. Past President of Sri Lanka College of Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine, Member of Board of Study in Dermatology in PGIM University of Colombo, Chief Examiner in MD Dermatology, Visiting Lecturer in University of Peradeniya
Secretary General
Dr. Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology and Venereology,
East West Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Joint Secretary
Dr. Bishurul Hafi NA
Consultant Dermatologist India
Joint Secretary
Dr. Jesmin Akhter Leena
Assistant Professor, Dept. Of Dermatology and Venereology,
Sir Salimullah Medical College
Mitford Hospital,
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Treasurer
Dr. G Ragesh
Lecturer, Department of Psychiatric social work, Institute of Mental health and Neurosciences,
Calicut, kerala
Organizing Secretary
Dr. Anzirun Nahar Asma
MBBS, DDV, FCPS (Skin & VD)
Professor & Head of the Department Department of Dermatology
Popular Medical College & Hospital,Dhaka, Bangladesh
Organizing Secretary
Dr. Prasanna Karunarathne
MBBS, MD(Derm), MRCP(Derm) UK
Consultant Dermatologist Ministry of Health Sri Lanka and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital UK.
Organizing Secretary
Dr. Niraj Parajuli
Associate Professor,
Department of Dermatology,
National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital Steering committee member and Mentor, International Alliance for Global Health Dermatology(2024-2026)
Members
Dr. Sudipta Roy
Consulting Clinical Psychologist and Director, Pslens Surat and Adjunct faculty at PPSU
Members
Dr. Tarun Narang
Additional professor department of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology PGIMER Chandigarh
Members
Dr. Nelum Wickramasinghe
MBBS. MD(Dermatology), Diploma in Child Health
Consultant Dermatologist
Ministry of Health ,Sri Lanka
Our dedication to transforming lives sets us apart. We are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of underprivileged youth, inspiring hope and fostering a sense of purpose.
Membership Info
Who can join?
• Dermatologists
• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Residents
• Researchers
Events
Upcoming Events
Past Events Archive
Resources
Educational Materials for Clinicians
Empower your clinical practice with our curated educational resources:
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Case Discussions: In-depth analyses of real-life Psychodermatology cases to enhance diagnostic and treatment skills.
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Diagnostic Tools: Practical tools and checklists for assessing skin–mind conditions effectively.
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Management Protocols: Evidence-based guidelines to help clinicians manage complex Psychodermatological conditions.
Title: Chronic Urticaria Linked with Anxiety
Overview: Explore a real-life case where chronic urticaria symptoms worsened during periods of heightened anxiety.
Objectives:
Identify psychosomatic triggers for Dermatological conditions.
Assess the interplay between stress, anxiety, and skin inflammation.
Develop treatment strategies combining Dermatology and mental health interventions.
Key Takeaways:Screening for anxiety and stress in Dermatology patients improves treatment outcomes.
Integrating CBT and Pharmacological interventions can reduce symptom recurrence.
Diagnostic Tools Example
Checklist: Skin–Mind Assessment Form
Patient stress questionnaire
Symptom diary (skin flare-ups & triggers)
Mental health assessment summary
Management Protocol Example
Guidelines: Treating Psychodermatology Conditions
Confirm Dermatological diagnosis.
Screen for Psychological triggers (stress, anxiety, depression).
Develop integrated treatment plan:
Topical/systemic medications for skin symptoms
Stress management strategies (mindfulness, CBT)Referral to Psychiatry or Psychology if needed
Schedule follow-ups to track both skin and mental health progress
Patient Education Brochures
Help patients understand the connection between skin and mental health:
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Skin–Mind Connection: Understand how stress, anxiety, and depression can affect skin health.
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Stress Management: Simple techniques and lifestyle tips for managing stress-related skin issues.
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FAQs: Common questions answered about Psychodermatological conditions, treatments, and self-care strategies.
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Brochure 1: Skin–Mind Connection
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How stress, anxiety, and depression can trigger or worsen skin conditions.
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Examples: Acne, eczema, psoriasis, urticaria.
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Tips: Healthy routines, mindfulness, and self-monitoring skin symptoms.
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Brochure 2: Stress Management Techniques
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Deep breathing exercises
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Meditation & mindfulness practices
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Sleep hygiene tips
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Lifestyle modifications: diet, exercise, hydration
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Brochure 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q: Can stress really cause acne or eczema?
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A: Yes, stress can trigger hormonal and immune responses that worsen skin conditions.
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Q: Do I need both a Dermatologist and a Psychologist?
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A: Collaborative care often provides better results in Psychodermatology.
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Q: Are these treatments safe for all age groups?
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A: Treatments are customized based on age, severity, and underlying conditions.
Links to Global Psychodermatology Associations
Stay connected with international research and best practices:
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International Society for Psychodermatology (ISPD) – www.ISPD.org
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European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry (ESDP) – www.ESDP.eu
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American Academy of Dermatology – www.aad.org
News & Blog
News & Blog
Articles on skin–mind health
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Understanding the Skin–Mind Connection: Explore how stress, anxiety, and depression can affect Dermatological conditions and what interventions help.
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Psychodermatology in Daily Practice: Practical tips for clinicians on identifying psychosomatic triggers in common skin disorders.
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Managing Stress-Related Skin Conditions: Lifestyle modifications, mindfulness, and therapeutic strategies to reduce flare-ups.
Member Contributions
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Clinical Case Reports: Members share interesting cases highlighting the interplay between mental health and Dermatology.
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Research Summaries: Summaries of ongoing or published research projects by SAAPD members.
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Opinion Pieces: Insights from experienced Dermatologists, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists on emerging trends and challenges in Psychodermatology.
News from South Asia in Psychodermatology
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Conference Highlights: Recap of recent SAAPD and regional Psychodermatology conferences.
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Upcoming Events: Announcements for webinars, workshops, and CME programs.
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Regional Research Updates: Brief updates on notable research, guidelines, or collaborative studies happening across South Asia.
