Thursday, August 2, 2012

Recession could be bad for your skin



Recession could increase levels of stress, which in turn can trigger skin conditions like eczema,psoriasis and acne, say dermatologists.

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

As distress of skin conditions has led 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.

The survey of 105 doctors and
 
nurses who specialise in skin conditions found 41 per cent had seen a noticeable increase in stress-related break-outs. Five per cent 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.

"The recession brings with it a set of problems that add further stress and misery to the millions that live with a skin disease," the
 Daily Mail quoted BSF member Bevis Man said.

Previous BSF research had revealed many sufferers of skin diseases have been verbally abused in public.