5 Skin Conditions That Harm Your Mental Health

Feeling good in your own body is essential for a stable mental state. Specifically, looking the best is what you aim for when going to an important meeting or grabbing a coffee with friends.

However, many skin conditions might impact the way how you look or even how you feel about yourself. It is harmful to your mental health to have a rare skin condition and be alienated.

We gathered a list of skin conditions that might harm your mental health and how to treat them. Read on to discover all the information you need.

1. Rhinophyma

Rhinophyma is a genetic skin condition of the nose, usually connected to Rosacea. It is clinically characterized by a textured phenotype with swollen skin and pores visibly enlarged and contrasted by an irregular shape, earning it the nickname “cauliflower nose.”

While not painful or itchy, this condition is socially debilitating, causing patients to feel embarrassed in public due to its obvious stand-out features.

Although the primary cause of Rhinophyma seems to be heredity, some triggers have been identified as alcohol consumption, stress, and heat. Prevention may be achieved by avoiding known triggers and seeking professional medical advice from a dermatologist if you suspect any form of Rosacea. Early diagnosis is key for successful Rhinophyma treatment.

2. Acne

Acne is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of red, inflamed lesions on the skin as well as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.

While just experiencing mild acne may be uncomfortable, it has been shown to have even further-reaching effects than physical pain or scarring.

Mental health issues such as decreased satisfaction with one’s appearance and feelings of low self-esteem and confidence can arise due to acne. Additionally, increased rates of anxiety and depression occur in those who suffer from acne.

Contrary to expectations, even adults with this condition suffer from elevated levels of mental distress more so than teenagers with the same issue. Thus, acne can affect many areas of life for those who experience it, making treatment and care even more important for sufferers at all ages.

3. Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can cause facial redness, bumps, or other skin changes. It is classified into four subtypes:

• Erythematotelangiectatic
• Papulopustular
• Phymatous
• ocular rosacea

The underlying cause of these subtypes is not fully understood yet, but recent studies have linked the condition to genetic predispositions, immune system imbalances, and neurovascular abnormalities.

The condition is also strongly associated with anxiety and depression, so knowing how to get rid of Rosacea’s symptoms effectively is particularly important for psychological well-being too.

You can do several things to help treat rosacea, such as avoiding triggers (such as sun exposure), using topical medications regularly, changing your lifestyle (including eating a healthier diet), and seeking professional help if needed.

4. Eczema

Eczema is a debilitating skin condition that can affect one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

It is characterized by incredibly dry, tight, and red skin with intense itching sensation, which may often lead to loss of sleep, self-confidence, and an overall unpleasant feeling in the skin.

Additionally, stress and other external factors, such as weather and environmental considerations, can act as triggers for eczema exacerbations; these triggers cause a higher production of hormones like adrenaline or cortisol, which hamper the body’s ability to regulate inflammation.

If you or someone near you is exhibiting severe symptoms like these persistently over two weeks’ time or longer, it may be wise to reach out to a specialist to confirm if indeed, they are suffering from an eczema exacerbation.

5. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease that affects two percent of the population, causing unsightly and painful skin lesions, along with arthritic, inflamed joints.

It can be a cause of profound emotional distress due to feelings of embarrassment, helplessness, and depression. Additionally, transiting daily life with psoriasis can be difficult as it disrupts sleeping habits and participation in social activities.

Most individuals without a psoriasis treatment suffer from difficulties due to their condition and describe it negatively affecting their quality of life.