ABSTRACT
Psoriasis is an inflammatory and chronic skin disease, of a benign, systemic, immune-mediated and non-contagious nature. It was intended to understand the symbolic expressions of psoriasis and its repercussions on the process of individuation of adult patients through qualitative descriptive-interpretative research. Open interview, thematic content analysis technique and theoretical framework of Analytical Psychology were used. Sample of sixteen participants with psoriasis in outpatient treatment. The categories outlined: psoriasis as a symbol: onset, crises and remission; treatment routine: from the skin frontier to the inner world; and, himself: a path of approaches and distances. The development of the adult with psoriasis was understood by the symbolic experiences that pointed to changes in integral health. However, it was recognized that the relations between psyche and body, although conflicting, provided learning and favored the individuation process.
KEYWORDS:
skin; psoriasis; mental health; jungian theory