NEW RESEARCH REVEALS THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF ECZEMA, PSORIASIS AND OTHER SKIN WOES

One in six people currently has a skin condition or has first-hand experience with an issue such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis.[1] Now, new research sheds light on the hidden dimensions of these very visible problems — and the importance of finding effective treatments and coping strategies.

Data commissioned by Typharm[2] — which produces a range of prescription-only skin therapies including an evidence backed medicated tape for painful cracked skin associated with eczema and psoriasis — FLUDROXYCORTIDE TAPE – found that 76% of the adults polled said their skin problems undermined their emotional wellbeing. A third (32%) have been so seriously affected they have contemplated suicide. While four out of five people with skin problems noted, in the same Typharm survey poll, they had lost confidence (82%) as a result of their condition. Yet despite this obvious distress, 69% of those who took part in Typharm’s real-world research survey have never been offered counselling.

This reflects the latest All Party Parliamentary Group on Skin report which points out, “Mental and physical health are intrinsically linked. There is a wealth of evidence demonstrating that people are at increased risk of having poor mental health when they live with a chronic skin condition.”[3

GP and skincare specialist, Dr Nisa Aslam from Typharm’s Skin Life Sciences Foundation[4] – www.slsf.uk says: “The emotional impact of skin issues can harm every aspect of a patient’s life, from relationships, to work, to home and family life — there is no part of life that is not affected in some way.”

The depth of this is revealed in the new Typharm data:

  • Three out of four (73%) of those who took part say their skin issues have led to depression and 25% report this “often” happens.
  • Three quarters (74%) confirm their condition has affected their emotional wellbeing.
  • 74% of respondents say skin problems have led to fear or anxiety about going out.
  • Four out of five (83%) have felt distressed as a result of their skin condition.
  • A similar number (81%) have felt embarrassment because of their skin.
  • Two thirds (62%) had overheard comments from strangers about their skin.

Psychologist, Professor Jason Ellis from Northumbria University says: “Women are generally more likely to report psychological distress, but this gender-gap is not as wide as some might expect.” For instance, 89% of women confirm their confidence is affected, compared to 86% of men. Similarly, 90% of women say skin conditions undermine their self-esteem, compared to 86% of men. [5]

Axis of inflammation

Emotional distress is a recognised trigger for flare-ups of conditions such as eczema and psoriasis,[6],[7] and  the very latest Typharm real-world data found that:

  • Seven out of ten (69%) respondents noted that stress contributes to flare-ups.
  • 57% confirmed stress exacerbates their skin problems.
  • Almost half (48%) of those surveyed identified prolonged stress and anxiety as factors which can lead to skin conditions.

Dr Nisa Aslam adds: “These are complex conditions, but inflammation is a common feature of eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis and this may, in part, help to explain the link between skin symptoms and psychological wellbeing.

 “Our understanding of this axis of inflammation — more correctly called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis — is still evolving. However, a number of important chemical and hormonal drivers associated with inflammatory skin problems have already been identified.

These include:[8]

  • Upregulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone as well as a number of neuropeptides and natural steroids
  • Activation of the serotonergic nervous system
  • Changes in a range of body chemicals including interleukin-12 and TNF which are involved in immune and inflammatory responses
  • Crosstalk between mast cells (associated with immune responses), nerves, and keratinocytes
  • Reduced cortisol production in response to stress

Mind the gaps in care

Just under a third (31%) of those who were surveyed had been offered counselling and the Typharm data reveals a postcode lottery of care. Respondents living in the vicinity of Sheffield (49%), London (44%) and Birmingham (41%) were far more likely to access counselling than those residing around the Leicester (9%), Belfast (18%) and Plymouth (19%) areas.

Dr Nisa Aslam says: “Under-treated eczema and psoriasis can have a serious impact on quality of life and increase the risk of infection and chronic skin changes, so it’s important to seek out evidence-based information and support and ensure your condition is managed as effectively as possible. If you are experiencing flare-ups, or skin symptoms which are affecting your day-to-day life, it is really important you speak to your GP or another qualified health professional to explore your options. In fact, there really is no need to suffer in silence as there are a variety of prescribed skin treatment options from ointments, creams to the development of formats like medicated tapes such as Fludroxycortide tape, which is also waterproof, to help deliver steroids within a different format that can be used for flare-ups and short periods of time (not prolonged time periods).

“Fludroxycortide tape is a transparent medicated surgical tape impregnated with the steroid fludroxycortide which you can apply make-up over the top of, shower etc with it on. When applied to the skin, it helps reduce redness, swelling and itching and contributes to wound healing. Finding the most effective therapy is often a matter of trial and error, so it’s important to keep going back to your doctor, or dermatologist, for advice.[9]”

Typharm Group is a UK life science company founded in 1966, which provides a comprehensive range of prescription-only treatments for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and other common skin challenges. This includes creams, ointments and Fludroxycortide tape — a transparent surgical tape impregnated with the corticosteroid  fludroxycortide which helps reduce redness, swelling and itching and contributes to wound healing.

 

For more information go to www.typharm.com or www.slsf.uk

All imagery used belongs to Typharm’s Skin Life Sciences Foundation – www.slsf.uk