The Link Between Skin Issues, Acne and Depression and Anxiety

Uncategorized Aug 25, 2020

Skin issues like acne, rosacea, and psoriasis may cost you time and money. But these skin conditions can affect more than your appearance and pocketbook. The link between skin problems like acne and depression and anxiety is real. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Psychodermatology?

Yes, there’s a science for the combination of skin issues and emotional upheaval. Psychodermatology combines dermatology with psychiatry, addressing mental and emotional symptoms that come with skin issues. Our mental wellbeing affects our skin, and our skin affects our mental wellbeing in a feedback loop.

Anxiety and depression are the primary conditions that affect those suffering from acne and other skin issues. Self-confidence can also be affected, causing feelings of low self-esteem and poor self-image, which can lead to social withdrawal.

The social aspect means that sometimes those afflicted may not seek out opportunities that put them in a position to advance in the workplace or reach for their dreams. Research shows that 45% of acne patients studied experience social phobia and more than 50% of vitiligo patients experienced relationship problems and felt it negatively affected marriage potential. And, not surprisingly, another study showed a high prevalence of anxiety in people dealing with acne.

Often, the negative emotional effects of acne and self-esteem issues start in the teen years. But acne doesn’t always go away by adulthood and sometimes recurs. And just because you left your teen years behind, doesn’t necessarily mean you left the acne-induced anxiety and depression behind with it.

The Link Between Skin Issues and Acne and Depression/Anxiety

Psychodermatology is the Link Between Skin Issues like Acne and Depression and Anxiety as well as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea

Think you’re alone in dealing with skin issues and anxiety and depression? Approximately 85 million Americans sought medical help for skin disease in 2013. That’s one in four people working with a physician to get their skin issue under control. But it’s likely the number of people who battle skin disease is even higher.

In a German study published in 2019, over 64% of participants were diagnosed with a skin condition. The most common skin issues were acne, rosacea, and eczema.

Anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues can greatly impact daily life. And then there is the economic aspect to battling skin disease. The study noted above indicated that, while skin disease is ranked as the fourth most common type of illness in humans, many people don’t seek medical help for their skin ailment, instead relying on “inadequate self- or non-physician treatment.” Not everything on blogs is sound advice, so if you’ve been searching blogs for toothpaste based acne zappers and bleach bath tips it’s probably time to seek more advanced help. Some of the promoted tricks can actually cause your skin more irritation and more disruption.

When you’re floundering on your own, the dollars you spend testing out one product after another can be literally money washed down the drain, plus another source of frustration. You are most likely familiar with dollars spent on products and treatments marketed as solutions to your skin issue. Sometimes people may try dozens of skincare products, going through a cycle of hope and disappointment each time. If you’ve seen little to no lasting results from dollars spent, this adds insult to injury, causing feelings of hopelessness. At times you may feel like just giving up.

Research found that the costs of treatment and lost productivity of those seeking medical care for acne exceeded $1.2 billion in 2013. In that same year, medical care costs for atopic dermatitis topped $42 million and treatment costs for psoriasis were estimated between $51.7 billion and $63.2 billion. These costs can include office visits, tests, prescription products, and time off work, and often people still end up with skin problems recurring. Keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy shouldn’t sap your confidence or your bank account.

If an outbreak of acne or bout with rosacea or psoriasis has you spiraling downward, take heart. There are ways to address your skin issues that are sustainable, healthy, effective and that can actually multiply the improvement you will see. When your skin is clearing it bolsters feelings of confidence, keeping you energized and on the path to success. Good feelings can compound in the same way bad ones can, and getting them started is one of the biggest steps you can take towards a healthy future for your skin.

Luckily there are scientifically proven processes to improving both your skin and your mental wellbeing, and you don’t have to do it alone. When you know the right questions to ask and factors to consider it makes the process easier. Empathy from others who understand your situation is also incredibly important. Plus, there are specific techniques that can bolster resilience and get you back on track even when you do have a down moment.

Are you ready to discover the start of a more sustainable path to skin health? If so, Holistic Skin Circle is for you.

Get the community support and expert guidance you need to become your own skin healing champion today. We’re confident we can help you have a better relationship with your skin.

Sign up today for our 5 day course and get started. There’s no time like now to start feeling better.

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