Skin conditions leave emotional scars

Skin is the largest and most visible organ in the body. Just as clear, glowing and unblemished skin elicits praise and attention, skin problems can provoke the reverse, with sufferers feeling shunned or judged by their appearance. No wonder conditions such as acne and psoriasis have been linked with depression and anxiety.

There's no denying that skin diseases can be ugly, itchy and confronting and the social stigma surrounding flawed skin still seems only just a step away from during the Middle Ages, when lepers were shunned and forced to don bells to warn of their approach.

The burden of having a skin condition remains heavy, regardless of age, gender or social status and, collectively, skin disease is the fourth greatest cause of the non-fatal global health burden.

Experts say it's time society realised the enormity of living with a skin problem and helped alleviate the physical and emotional toll by extending the afflicted and their carers a helping hand.

Three skin conditions - acne, fungal skin diseases, other skin and subcutaneous diseases - were in the top 10 most prevalent diseases worldwide in 2010, according to an analysis of their prevalence and impact, published in theJournal of Investigative Dermatology.

''Using more data than has been used previously, the burden due to these diseases is enormous in both high and low-income countries,'' say the study's authors.

''These results argue strongly to include skin disease prevention and treatment in future global health strategies as a matter of urgency.''

There are measures people can take to prevent sun damage, burns, cuts and rashes, but despite our best efforts to try to protect the body's largest organ, some damaging, life-changing skin conditions can't be cured.

Dermatologists say the stress on patients and their families of managing some skin conditions and the associated physical, psychological and social impact on their lives is huge.

Psoriasis patients have a 39 per cent increased risk of depression. Those with it in severe form have a 77 per cent increased risk and are at increased risk of anxiety and suicide, says the Australian National Psoriasis Foundation.

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Skin conditions leave emotional scars