The influence of selected skin changes on the mental state
Abstract
Psychodermatology is a branch of medical science that studies the relationship between the psyche and skin diseases. The course and intensity of skin changes affect the psyche of the sick person, it also works the other way around, namely the psyche of the sick person affects the severity or appearance of skin changes. Mechanisms of psychodermatoses can have various locations, it is important to evaluate the problem and implement immediate help for the suffering person. The selected diseases are: psoriasis, body dysmorphia and hirsutism. Each of the presented problems has a different etiopathological background, but they affect the quality and comfort of life of the people affected in a similar way.
The objectives of the theme were:
- Determining the knowledge of Internet users regarding the impact of selected skin lesions on the mental sphere.
- Determining the knowledge of Internet users regarding the impact of psoriasis on the lives of patients.
- Determining the knowledge of Internet users regarding the impact of body dysmorphia on the lives of patients.
- Determining the knowledge of Internet users regarding the impact of hirsutism on the lives of patients.
- Analysis of the quality of life of people affected by selected skin lesions.
The research was carried out using the diagnostic survey method, the tool was a self-created survey, made available online via a Google form, addressed to people using specific groups and internet forums.
Both people affected by selected diseases (42%) and healthy people (58%) took part in the study. Most of the respondents were women (69%). The largest number of participants in the study were in the age group of 26 - 35 years.
According to the respondents' answers, skin changes significantly affect the mental state (96%). Respondents also confirmed that there is a relationship between the appearance of the skin and well-being (69%). The study showed that people affected by skin lesions are stigmatized - they arouse reluctance of the environment and thus social isolation (48.5%). People affected by psoriasis struggle with lowering their self-esteem (48.5%), which is associated with a decrease in the quality of life (59%). According to the respondents, dysmorphics have moderately low self-esteem (58.5%), while women with hirsutism are ashamed of the disease (76%) and try to hide it from the environment (95.5%).
Conclusions
- Skin diseases that change its appearance are a psychological problem for those affected.
- Both the mental state can affect the condition of the skin and skin changes can affect the psyche
- There are tools for measuring the quality of life, thanks to which it is possible to examine and implement procedures that improve the living conditions of sick people.
- Most of the respondents have knowledge about psychodermatoses and their impact on the quality of life of patients.
- Research shows that people with selected skin conditions are susceptible to negative emotions, human judgments, social isolation and reduced quality of life.
Papers must be accompanied by the following submission letter (form available at journal’s website), signed by all Authors: Declaration
Author, who submits the paper, bears the main responsibility for given data. „Ghostwriting” and „guest authorship” are the symptoms of scientific dishonesty, and all discovered cases will be exposed, including informing suitable entities. Authors are also required to fill in De Gruyter Open Access License. The form should be sent to the Editorial Office via electronic mail to the e-mail address: pjas@pwsip.edu.pl.
