New research by Typharm, an innovative UK life sciences company producing a range of prescription-only skin therapies including evidence-backed medicated tape for painful cracked skin associated with eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, has discovered that four in five Brits suffering from a skin condition say it undermines their confidence with 97% of 18 to 29-year-olds believing they would be more confident if it weren’t for their skin ailment (Perspectus Global; An omnibus survey of 1,002 adults with a skin condition carried out in Summer 2023).
GP and skin expert, Dr Nisa Aslam explains: “People often suffer from skin conditions and from there it can develop into a negative spiral. The symptoms can undermine self-esteem and increase anxiety levels; this adds to the risk of depression and raises levels of stress hormones.”
Dermatologist, Dr Sangeeta Punjabi adds: “We can lose track of the interplay between our skin and our physical and mental health; it’s so important for anyone with a skin condition to take a proactive approach to managing their condition and work in partnership with the health professionals who support them.”
The study revealed that one in seven respondents have eczema; a quarter have psoriasis; and 29% have suffered from dermatitis. Scars also seem to be a common issue according to the data as 74% say they have a visible scar, primarily caused from an injury or accident as a child. The majority who have a scar (64%) wish it was not visible.
Dr Sangeeta Punjabi says: “Skin provides our first-line defence against an array of infectious, chemical and physical threats. Skin conditions which damage our skin barrier require timely and effective treatment.”
Dr Nisa Aslam adds: “A damaged skin barrier increases our risk of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, found naturally on the skin’s surface, can go from harmless to troublesome when the skin barrier has been breached.”
Speaking of the transparent medical surgical tape, Dr Nisa Aslam says: “The tape contains 4mg of the steroid fludroxycortide per square centimetre. When applied to the skin, it helps reduce redness, swelling and itching and contributes to wound healing, plus it is waterproof.”
As a recent evidence review pointed out: “whilst steroid impregnated tape has been available in the UK for several decades, it is not as widely used as steroid creams and ointments due a lack of knowledge among the healthcare professional community” (Impact of eczema and other dermatoses on mental and emotional health. The role of steroid tape in eczema management; Dr Nisa Aslam; BDNG).
Ultimately, the way a person looks can play a big role in their mental state. Ensuring health professionals treat skin conditions correctly can help patients to feel good in themselves and their skin, allowing them to reclaim self-confidence and overcome mental struggles.
Fludroxycortide tape is a prescription only medicine. Prescription-only medicines must be prescribed by a qualified health professional. This may be a GP, hospital doctor or pharmacist for example.
Active ingredients: Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre tape. Always read the label
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FURTHER INFORMATION
Typharm
www.typharm.com
