References

Chan J, Ridd MJ. Beliefs and practices among adults with eczema and carers of children with eczema regarding the role of food allergy. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2019; https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.13955

De Martino I, D'Apolito R, McLawhorn AS Social media for patients: benefits and drawbacks. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2017; 10:(1)141-145 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-017-9394-7

Fabbrocini G, Cacciapuoti S, Monfrecola G. A qualitative investigation of the impact of acne on health-related quality of life (HRQL): development of a conceptual model. Dermatol Ther. 2018; 8:(1)85-99 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0224-7

Griffiths S, Murray SB, Krug I, McLean SA. The contribution of social media to body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms, and anabolic steroid use among sexual minority men. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2018; 21:(3)149-156 https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2017.0375

Guibas GV, Makris M, Chliva C Atopic dermatitis, food allergy and dietary interventions. A tale of controversy. An Bras Dermatol. 2013; 88:(5)839-841 https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132072

Gupta MA, Gupta AK. Dissatisfaction with skin appearance among patients with eating disorders and non-clinical controls. Br J Dermatol. 2001; 145:(1)110-113

Gupta MA, Gupta AK, Ellis CN, Voorhees JJ. Bulimia nervosa and acne may be related: a case report. Can J Psychiatry. 1992; 37:(1)58-61 https://doi.org/10.1177/070674379203700113

Hong K, Nezgovorova V, Hollander E. New perspectives in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder. F1000Res. 2018; 7 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.13700.1

Johnston SA, Krasuska M, Millings A Experiences of rosacea and its treatment: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Br J Dermatol. 2018; 178:(1)154-160 https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.15780

Khalid J, Malik J, Musharraf S. Role of family support in body image satisfaction and psychological distress among patients with dermatology issues. Primary Health Care. 2018; https://doi.org/10.7748/phc.2018.e1351

Koblenzer CS. Body dysmorphic disorder in the dermatology patient. Clin Dermatol. 2017; 35:(3)298-301 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2017.01.002

Krüger C, Schallreuter KU. Stigmatisation, avoidance behaviour and difficulties in coping are common among adult patients with vitiligo. Acta Derm Venereol. 2015; 95:(5)553-558 https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-1981

Lee S, Leung CM, Wing YK Acne as a risk factor for anorexia nervosa in Chinese. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 1991; 25:(1)134-137 https://doi.org/10.3109/00048679109077729

Magin P, Adams J, Heading G Psychological sequelae of acne vulgaris: results of a qualitative study. Can Fam Physician. 2006; 52:978-979

The dangerous link between skin conditions and eating disorders. 2018. https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/acne-diet-eating-disorder (accessed 9 May 2019)

Montgomery K, Norman P, Messenger AG, Thompson AR. The importance of mindfulness in psychosocial distress and quality of life in dermatology patients. Br J Dermatol. 2016; 175:(5)930-936 https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.14719

Nguyen Q-G, Markus R, Katta R. Diet and acne: an exploratory survey study of patient beliefs. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2016; 6:(2)21-27 https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0602a05

Özyay Eroğlu F, Aktepe E, Erturan İ. The evaluation of psychiatric comorbidity, self-injurious behavior, suicide probability, and other associated psychiatric factors (lonileness, self-esteem, life satisfaction) in adolescents with acne: A clinical pilot study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018; https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12708

Pereira RF, Alvarenga M. Disordered Eating: Identifying, Treating, Preventing, and Differentiating It From Eating Disorders. Diabetes Spectrum. 2007; 20:(3)141-148 https://doi.org/10.2337/diaspect.20.3.141

Tohid H, Aleem D, Jackson C. Major depression and psoriasis: a psychodermatological phenomenon. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2016; 29:(4)220-230 https://doi.org/10.1159/000448122

Tuckman A. The potential psychological impact of skin conditions. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017; 7:53-57 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-016-0169-7

de Zoysa P. Psychological interventions in dermatology. Indian J Dermatol. 2013; 58:(1) https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.105312

Stigmatisation and societal pressure in patients with skin conditions

02 June 2019
Clinical
02 June 2019
Volume 8 · Issue 5

Abstract

Skin conditions, such as psoriasis, rosacea and eczema, are associated with psychological comorbidities, including body dysmorphic disorder, depression, anxiety and suicidality. Those affected by these conditions report stigmatisation and social pressure. One way in which they are affected is in their diet. The inter-reationship between diet and skin conditions has a pathological basis. However, this is made more complex by the increasing influence of the media, including social media. The information that patients receive online is often not evidence-based and may lead to individuals manipulating their diets to treat and manage their skin conditions. Support from healthcare professionals is vital for treating or managing skin conditions, while also providing additional psychosocial intervention and support, where necessary. This article seeks to raise awareness of the perceived stigmatisation of those with a skin condition and the associated resulting behaviours. It will further reflect and discuss on the source and impact of pressures on diet, specifically disordered eating, and associated psychosocial concerns.

Having a skin condition that causes a visual difference, such as acne vulgaris, rosacea, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, poses challenges with regard to physical and mental wellbeing, specifically affecting body image and satisfaction, self-concept and is further associated with psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety (Tuckman, 2017). The rising impact of social media usage and its role in patient education, paired with existing literature on the pathogenic role of diet in dermatologic conditions, has created further obstacles in the public perception of these skin conditions (DeMartino et al, 2017). This essentially transfers the patient's condition and its treatment into the public domain which, in turn, introduces further challenges and complexities. This includes those affected being subjugated to public opinion and perception, as well as parental views formed by the media on their skin condition and diet (Nguyen et al, 2016). These factors further intensify psychosocial implications, including body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, either as part of resolving their condition or as a manifestation of a psychiatric morbidity (Griffiths et al, 2018).

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Journal of Aesthetic Nurses and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for aesthetic nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Limited access to clinical or professional articles

  • New content and clinical newsletter updates each month

Register
Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address

Skin conditions
Stigmatisation
Societal pressure
Acne
Diet