Perceived Stress, Optimism and Social Appearance Anxiety in Patients with Skin Diseases: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Skin disease is often considered to be ‘only cosmetic’ by many medical professionals and lay-people alike but unlike most internal illnesses, skin disease is often immediately visible to others and therefore people suffering from dermatological conditions may suffer serious social and emotional consequences.

Aim: The purpose of this research was to compare patients suffering from acne, alopecia areata (AA) and melanosis on perceived stress, optimism and social appearance anxiety.

Materials and Methods: The study included 120 patients (acne = 40, AA = 40, melanosis = 40) ages ranging from 15 to 25 years. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) and Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) were administered to the patients. Analytical evaluation was done by Kruskal Wallis and ANOVA-tests.

Analyses: The results of the present study clearly revealed that perceived stress and social appearance anxiety were found highest in patients with AA followed by acne patients and found least in patients with melanosis. However, no significant difference was found in patients with melanosis, acne and AA in regard to optimism.

This study is an attempt to stimulate professionals working in the field of dermatology and mental health to explore their supportive communication and increase awareness regarding the difficulties that patients with skin diseases can face.