Counselling Aids Skin Disease

Stress and Anxiety can worsen disfiguring medical conditions such as psoriasis and sufferers could benefit from counselling services, according to research at Sheffield University.

In a survey of 141 patients with psoriasis, many believed they were stigmatised for their disorder and the resultant stress can worsen the condition. Psychological approaches to treatment could help reduce social anxiety and boost confidence and self-acceptance with positive clinical effects.

The researchers believe that the extent to which affected skin is visible on the hands and face could be important in determining how comfortable sufferers are socially.

One woman told the researchers "when I was young at school, children were so horrible that my skin got worse. Saying that I was scabby and had diseases".

Many complementary therapies, including the Bach Flower Remedies see the psychological and emotional aspects of a condition as critical in treating physical symptoms.

Friday, 30 March 2001