Half of people with a skin disease have been verbally abused.

[BritishSkinFoundationCharity]

We did a survey recently in which 729 people with a skin disease took part. Our aim was to try and get some stats on how people are affected outside of their symptoms of the disease - so making friends and relationships for example, their work life and so on. We found almost a fifth have had a relationship breakdown because of their skin disease (stress being a big area)...

Read more here: bit.ly/K55IcS

Comments welcome here on the blog...

Thanks!

Team BSF

[EMANRESU]

Thank you for this survey.. I have an ongoing skin problem which various doctors have been unable to diagnose. I have learned from you that there is such a thing as a psychodermatologist! I have wondered about psychotherapy treatment before. Now it remains for me to find a practitioner.

I do not relate my problem to the findings of the survey but then I am a young 76-yr old and the problem did not arise until I was nearly 70!

[BritishSkinFoundationCharity]

Hi,

We're glad you like the survey and what it shows, it picked up some press coverage, appearing in most editions of the Metro paper and is starting to come through in the local press, so keep an eye out!

Yes psycho-dermatology isn't massively widespread or used as far as we know, but as an extra method available for managing and treating skin conditions, it can only be a good thing.

All the best

Team BSF

[Lieste]

I find that although my relationship with my skin condition (Vitiligo) is unmeasurably better than in the past (not "cured", but rather expanded to the point where there is no visible pigmentation while clothed, (only about 25% in total 'perhaps' {by rough estimate})).

I have actually worked as a life model, and am confident that it is not a problem for others, nor for me.... yet my confidence and inhibitions in 'normal life' remain as if it were still as awkward as when first experienced as a child... even being aware of it makes little immediate difference to how one feels or behaves, and there is for me a tendency to depression and anxiety in daily life around a 'purely historical' problem.