Why Are Skin Diseases Big Deals?
They Are Common….
Skin diseases are one of the most common types of diseases. According to the British Skin Foundation, over 40 skin diseases are ranging from common conditions like acne to fatal diseases like skin cancer. According to research conducted in the US, nearly 85 million Americans were seen by a physician for at least one skin disease in 2013.
In 2017, the Global Burden of Disease Project indicated that skin related disease is the 4th leading cause of nonfatal disease burden people globally.
Additionally, skin conditions are often the presenting face of more severe systemic illnesses like HIV. Hence, patients with other diseases can be diagnosed with skin conditions, making skin diseases very prevalent.
They Can Be Deadly…
While some skin conditions like pimples and wrinkles can affect our self-esteem, others can be life-threatening. Take Melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer, for instance. Melanoma occurs when DNA is damaged as the result of a long exposure of UV from the sun. Melanomas present in many different shapes, sizes, and colours. That’s why it is tricky to provide a comprehensive set of warning signs. If left untreated, the conditions can be fatal. According to a statistical estimation done in the US, 7,230 people (4,740 men and 2,490 women) will die of melanoma in 2019.
They Are Expensive…
In 2013, Americans spent over $75 billion on skin conditions treatments. In United Kingdom, the NHS can spend up to £723 million annually. These data do not include individuals’ spending on private dermatology services for less severe skin conditions like wrinkle, acnes, pigmentation, scarring and many more. The going rate for a “cheaper” dermatologist is typically between $100 and $170 per visit. An “expansive” dermatologist might charge upwards of $200. It is no wonder why the global skincare and treatment market was valued at nearly $135 billion in 2018, a 60% increase since 2010.
They Lower Quality of Life…
Skin conditions also pose a significant threat to patients’ well-being, mental health, ability to function, and social participation. A study is conducted in South Africa to see how certain groups of people (older individuals, women, and children) are affected by their own skin conditions.
It was found that women with skin conditions have lower self-esteem, confidence, and even mental health. They also tend to make poorer life choices. Physiologists also found that skin conditions that resulted in less attractive individuals can have devastating long-term effects on mental health, predisposing children to anxiety disorders, and social phobias. On certain occasions, the problems can escalate to self-harm. For instance, it was found that 8% of the participants taking part in Ugandan skin studies admitted to suicidal ideation.
They May Not Go Away After Treatments….
Many skin diseases are chronic and may persist throughout a lifetime, even after proper medical treatments. In the case of psoriasis, a common skin disorder that produces thick red plaques covered with silvery scales, for instance, it was discovered that over 30% of the patients still need systemic treatments despite regularly attended dermatology clinics for more than 10 years. Other chronic skin disorders include rosacea, acne, and eczema.
In short, not only are skin diseases prevalence in most people, but their effects they have on people both emotionally and medically.
Skin Regeneration 