Why is rosacea in skin of colour mismanaged? Rosacea can be difficult to diagnose in skin of colour (SOC) or deeply pigmented skin, the reason for this is the widely recognised symptoms of ‘flushing’ or ‘redness’ look different in pigmented…
If you feel like you need to talk to someone straight away about the way that you are feeling then you might like to get in contact with Mind, Samaritans or Changing Faces, who may be able to help. Image by María Prieto
Accessing psychological interventions specific to skin conditons can be challenging. People with skin conditions may benefit from referral to a psychodermatology clinic for targeted support. Local talking therapy services are usually accessible via GPs or patients can self-refer (Find…
The brain has a stress-activated pathway that causes release of various chemicals and hormones that drive inflammation both in the body and the skin. Specifically: What other ways can stress affect skin? How does stress impact the body? Image…
Psychodermatology is a broad sub-specialty that sees any dermatological condition with a psychological impact. Some of the other specialist conditions I see often include: In addition to conventional treatments for dermatological conditions, a psychodermatological treatment plan can include:
The usual NHS pathway is to see your GP, who can then refer you to a general dermatologist (who can facilitate a psychodermatology referral) or directly to a psychodermatology clinic. You should try to tell your GP how you…
What is the difference between SPF 30 and 50? Sun protection factor (SPF) directly measures protection against sunburn caused by UV B rays. A SPF 20 sunscreen means that it absorbs 95% of UVB rays, while an SPF 50…
Being sleep-deprived is associated with skin changes such as fine lines, pigmentation changes, reduced elasticity and collagen production, dehydration, changes in pore size and skin texture, and changes to blood flow to the skin. These changes are mediated by…
People with skin conditions are known to experience feelings of psychological distress. Signs to look out for are low mood, social anxiety, feeling tearful or anxious, lack of positive impact of treatment on the patient (despite the healthcare professional…
I was always interested in psychology, so I completed a BSc in Psychology with Clinical Psychology, this is where I learned about the connection between the mind and body, specifically the effect of stress on the skin. I trained…