Are hard times bad for your skin?

With the distress of skin conditions leading some sufferers to self-harm and contemplate suicide, the British Skin Foundation said it is important to address any underlying emotional problems that trigger physical symptoms.

With the distress of skin conditions leading some sufferers to self-harm and contemplate suicide, the British Skin Foundation said it is important to address any underlying emotional problems that trigger physical symptoms.

Published Aug 14, 2012

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London - The recession could be bad for your skin, a survey suggests.

Nine out of ten dermatologists have noted a rise in eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions triggered by stress since the credit crunch hit.

With the distress of skin conditions leading some sufferers to self-harm and contemplate suicide, the British Skin Foundation said it is important to address any underlying emotional problems that trigger physical symptoms.

A survey of 105 doctors and nurses who specialise in skin conditions found 41 percent had seen a noticeable increase in stress-related break-outs. Five percent cited a “huge” increase and almost half had seen a slight increase.

The poll, carried out at the British Association of Dermatologists’ annual conference, showed the recession is taking its greatest toll on eczema sufferers.

However, there have also been rises in acne, psoriasis – characterised by dry red patches of skin covered with silvery scales – and vitiligo, in which pale patches appear on the skin.

Almost half of those questioned said the stresses that can trigger skin conditions or fuel flare-ups need to be taken more seriously. Many said NHS counselling should be more readily available.

The call follows previous BSF research which found many sufferers of skin diseases have been verbally abused in public.

One in six of the 729 men and women surveyed said their skin condition had led to them self-harming and seven admitted to having thought about suicide.

BSF member Bevis Man said: “The recession brings with it a set of problems that add further stress and misery to the millions that live with a skin disease.”

However, previous research has suggested that when times are hard our health improves because we cut back on rich food, drinking and smoking.

For instance despite US unemployment rising to almost 25 percent during the Great Depression, life expectancy rose. - Daily Mail

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