25% of psoriasis patients are affected by depression, which also affects immunity.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Skin-related diseases aren't limited to the physical, but they also have a serious impact on mental health. According to research by the Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, one in four patients suffering from chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis also suffers from a mental illness.

Immunity is also affected

It causes not only physical but also severe mental stress, social embarrassment, and a decline in the quality of life. Persistent itching and discomfort increase the patient's stress, which also impacts their immunity. A total of 466 skin patients from different districts of the state were included in this study. The research has been published in the Russian international journal Consortium Psychiatricum. 

Mental health is also affected

The research team included Professor Vikram Singh, Head of the Department of General Medicine, Dr. AQ Jilani, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, and Dr. Shikha Agarwal and Dr. Sonal Singh from the Department of Dermatology. According to Shikha Agarwal and Dr. Sonal Singh, psoriasis, the skin, and the nervous system are considered mirror images of each other. This is why skin problems like eczema, acne, and vitiligo affect patients not only physically but also psychologically. 

Patients also lose confidence

Many people lose confidence and avoid socializing due to blemishes on their face or visible parts of the body. Prolonged stress can cause hormonal changes in the body, which can increase the risk of skin inflammation and allergies. Similarly, those with skin problems are three to four times more likely to develop anxiety, inferiority complexes, and depression.

Dr. AQ Jilani stated that in the study, a total of 466 skin patients from different regions of the state were divided into two groups. The first group included patients with long-term and recurring ringworm, while the second group included patients with first-time ringworm and other skin conditions. 

There is a deep connection between mental health and skin disease.

When the mental state of these patients was examined, surprising results emerged. More than 25 percent, or 117 patients, were found to suffer from anxiety disorders. In fact, due to mental disorders, shingles recurs or never completely resolves, and the disease becomes more severe over time. The research period lasted from July 2022 to July 2023. 

According to Prof. Vikram Singh, this study proves that complete treatment of skin diseases is not possible with ointments and pills alone. The mental health of such patients should also be addressed. This should include routine mental health checkups to determine whether patients require not only anti-fungal therapy but also psychiatric assistance.

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