Eczema affects about one in three Australians, with up to 20 per cent of children living with atopic eczema - yet while physical symptoms are well recognised, the emotional and psychological impacts from this disease often remain hidden.
Lauren Conboy, a Master of Clinical Psychology student at Flinders University, was diagnosed last year with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), a condition that causes the immune system to release histamine without an obvious trigger.
"It started with hives and facial swelling that seemed to appear without warning - and almost overnight, my appearance changed drastically and in a way that I had very little control over until I was able to take biologic medications," says Lauren.
"I had friends, family and even strangers commenting on my skin and the way I looked. Someone asked whether I had foot and mouth disease. It was confronting because it brought home how noticeable my condition was, and how visible changes in the skin can shape the way other people perceive and respond to you."
The experience inspired Lauren to conduct research at Flinders University into how chronic skin conditions affect body image and what helps people maintain a positive relationship with their bodies despite ongoing challenges.
The study wants adults who are living with chronic skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, vitiligo, rosacea and chronic urticaria, to complete an online survey.
Lauren says chronic skin conditions can affect more than just a person's appearance.
"The experience is not only about how the skin looks, but also how it feels, how unpredictable it can be, how other people respond to it, and what meaning a person begins to attach to those experiences," says Lauren.
"At times, I found myself trying to conceal my symptoms and worrying people might think my condition was contagious. That experience made me aware of a particular kind of isolation that can come with having a visible skin condition."
Flinders University body image expert Professor Ivanka Prichard says understanding the psychological impact of skin conditions is an important step towards improving support for people living with them.
"Body image affects people from all walks of life. By identifying the factors that help protect it, we can improve support and help more people feel comfortable and confident in their bodies," says Professor Prichard from Flinders University's College of Health and Enablement.
Research shows people living with chronic skin conditions are at greater risk of body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem and reduced quality of life.
Rather than focusing only on these challenges, the study being conducted by Lauren aims to identify factors that may help protect body image and build resilience.
"Some people appear better able to maintain a positive relationship with their body despite significant changes in their appearance," says Lauren.
"We want to better understand what supports that resilience, whether it is self-compassion, body appreciation, support from others or other protective factors.
"Ultimately, we hope this research will help us better understand what supports people with chronic skin conditions to maintain a positive and accepting relationship with their bodies."
