A new report reveals for the first time the serious psychological, physical and social consequences of living with a skin disease. The Report on the Enquiry Into the Impact of Skin Disease on People’s Lives, chronic conditions such as skin disease the priority given conditions such as heart disease and cancer that are perceived to be more serious.

The report is the first ever to combine evidence drawn from clinical data, qualitative research and patient experience provided by health professionals, economists and patients. Importantly, it reveals that patients often view the disabling effects of skin disease as comparable or worse to living with conditions such as angina, asthma and arthritis.

Up to 25 per cent of the population will have a skin disease that wants medical attention at some point in their life. With conditions affecting young children such as eczema or epidermolysis bullosa, the impact on the parents and carers is as great as on the individual affected.

Sleep deprivation, discomfort, taunting and bullying and a need to incorporate time-consuming treatment regimes into the daily routine are common among people with skin disease. Their impact is frequently far-reaching on carers, family and friends.

The evidence submitted for the report uncovered the depth of suffering, sense of desperation, frustration and in many cases isolation experienced by people with skin disease. The report cautions that disease severity is not always an indication of the degree of impact of a skin disease on an individual’s life.

Those not directly affected by a skin disease often underestimate the devastating effect skin diseases can have on all aspects of an individual’s life from schooling, relationships, self-esteem and career choices to social, sexual and leisure activities.

The Report concludes that it is clear that the impact of skin disease on people’s lives is not appropriately considered in their treatment and care.

Health service providers, as well as treating the physical symptoms of skin diseases should also aim to improve the quality of life of those affected by it. At minimum, more effort should be made to reduce the burden of the disease and also to increase investment in research and improve service provision in this area of healthcare.