A boy actually said I looked like a fire victim

Exploring the psychosocial impacts of psoriasis, eczema and acne amongst young women in the UK through thematic analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID4227379
AuthorsEmily Rutter (Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK), Emily C Rutter (0000-0001-8710-6526), Alison Leah Owens (0000-0002-4436-4055, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK)
Year2025
Volume30
Issue9
Pages2322-2339
Publication date2025-08-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Health Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1359-1053 • E-ISSN: 1461-7277
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/13591053241312504
PMID39819132
OpenAlexW4406537303
LanguageEN
References cited33

Our knowledge of the psychosocial implications of skin conditions continues to broaden, as research identifies multiple psychological morbidities relating to psoriasis, eczema and acne. This includes findings of poor body image, as a result of the change in physical appearance to the skin. However, there is limited qualitative research in the UK that explores how young women with skin conditions experience unique psychosocial impacts, including body image issues. The present study explored the experiences of seven young women with psoriasis, eczema and acne. Four main themes were developed: Embarrassment over appearance related symptoms; An unrealistic female beauty standard; Change in appearance attacking personal identity; and Lack of support. The implications of these findings are discussed, including a call for a biopsychosocial approach to skin condition treatment, that prioritises the psychological and social well being of young female skin condition patients, as well as their physical health

Acne · Psoriasis · Psychiatry · Psychosocial · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Dermatology and Skin Diseases · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research · Medicine · Psychology · Clinical Psychology · Dermatology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access