Report reveals psychological impact of skin allergy and sens

In the UK, skin problems are the most common reason for GP consultations and the incidence of allergic diseases has trebled in the last 20 years. Allergy, an often hereditary immune system disease, affects the airways, skin and gut, with atopic eczema usually one of the first symptoms to show in infants. Other allergic skin conditions characterised by irritation include urticaria (raised red areas called weals) and angiodema (swelling deep within the skin), both of which can be associated with an acute severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) but also with a chronic allergic condition which may last for weeks or months.

Yesterday, Maureen Jenkins, Director of Clinical Services at Allergy UK and dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams presented a new report by Allergy UK, revealing the results of a survey into skin allergy and sensitivity. Carried out in March and supported by L’Oréal owned active cosmetics brand La Roche-Posay, the survey involved 942 UK participants.

It revealed that 78% of respondents reacted all year round, indicating that most sufferers are sensitised to several different allergens, known as polysensitisation. The area of the body most affected was revealed to be the face (77%), while the most common symptom was itching (78%) followed by redness (63%) and skin dryness (62%).

When it came to triggers, 79% said their symptoms were brought on by things like cosmetics, fragrances, hair dyes and metals coming into contact with their skin. But a strong link to allergy was also observed, with 60% reporting environmental factors like animals, pollen and foods as triggers.

The report highlighted that of the 71% of people who sought advice from their GP, only 29% got a diagnosis on their first visit and for one in three patients it took five or more visits to find out what was causing the issue.

In addition to topical and oral prescription treatments, 56% of sufferers also admitted to using skin care products specifically adapted for allergic or sensitive skins and of those using such products, 33% had received a recommendation from a GP, dermatologist or allergy specialist. However, Allergy UK added that it was clear that many people had used trial and error to find a suitable remedy, and 30% had used the internet as a source of information.

The psycho-social impact of skin conditions was also investigated, with 71% saying their condition made them feel uncomfortable and nearly half saying it made them feel unattractive; 8% even went so far as to say ‘excluded’. Meanwhile, 34% of those surveyed said their condition prevented them from going out socially and, tragically, 3% said they would not consider having children for fear of them inheriting their allergy.

The report also highlighted that other (non-allergy related) skin conditions like sensitive or intolerant skin can cause concerns for many people, because there is no medical way to quantify ‘sensitive’ skin.

To coincide with the presentation, La Roche-Posay promoted its new Toleriane Ultra Intense Soothing Care – so far the only skin care product available carrying the Allergy UK seal of approval. The product contains a sensitivity regulatory peptide, naturally occurring in the skin, which helps counteract neurogenic inflammation, the cause of skin hypersensitivity.