What is a skin condition?
Skin conditions can range from mild irritations, like rashes, to ongoing problems such as autoimmune reactions or even skin cancers. Some of the most common skin issues are:
- Eczema: Red, itchy patches that may become dry and scaly.
- Psoriasis: Thickened, red patches of skin covered in silvery scales.
- Hives: Raised, red welts that can appear suddenly and cause itching.
Other skin conditions include acne, dermatitis, rosacea and vitiligo.
Most people will experience a skin condition at some point in their lives: 60% of people in the UK have had or currently have a skin condition. If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, seeking help early on can make a real difference.
Even if your symptoms seem minor, it’s important to take them seriously. Skin issues that go untreated can sometimes become more severe. Many skin disorders and conditions can be managed relatively easily with the right care.
Physical and emotional health are closely linked. Living with a skin condition can hugely affect your confidence and mental health. Getting support through hypnotherapy for skin conditions can help you to manage both the physical and mental health impact.
Skin conditions are the leading cause for people seeking care from their GP.
35% say their skin condition affects their mental health.
53% of people with a skin disease feel judged by others due to their condition.
15,000 people experience work-related skin problems each year.
What causes skin conditions?
You can develop a skin condition for a variety of reasons, often due to a combination of factors. Ultimately, these will always vary from person to person. It can be useful to narrow down and identify your own individual triggers.
Conditions like eczema and psoriasis often run in families, so you are more likely to develop them if a parent or grandparent has had them. Some skin conditions, like eczema, can get better as children grow up, but not always.
Allergies can bring on some skin conditions alongside other symptoms. Common triggers include certain foods, pollen or chemical exposure. If you only experience symptoms at certain times of year – or experience them more severely – it may be pollen-related. If you’ve changed your shower gel or used a new hand wash, this may cause a flare-up.
Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can also lead to skin issues.
Your lifestyle can contribute to skin problems. Many people find that diet impacts them, while a lack of sleep and stress makes their condition worse. Too much sun exposure can also affect your skin health. However, some people find that winter conditions affect their condition more.
By understanding your own potential triggers, you can take steps to manage your skin health more effectively.
What are the symptoms and effects?
Living with a skin condition can have a noticeable impact on both your physical comfort and emotional wellbeing.
Common symptoms include:
- Itching, redness, or dry patches
- Visible changes such as spots, bumps, or scaling
- Discomfort that can interfere with daily activities
Skin conditions can also affect your confidence, particularly when symptoms are visible. You might find yourself avoiding social situations or feeling more stressed. This can be an unpleasant loop as that emotional stress can sometimes worsen your condition.
Children and teenagers can find it especially difficult, as skin issues can impact their self-esteem. They may find socialising at school or elsewhere difficult, which can have a bigger impact.
How can they be managed?
Treating a skin condition often starts with understanding its cause. While not all conditions can be completely prevented or cured, many can be managed effectively and simply. As living with a skin condition can have a big impact on your mental health, it’s important to address this too.
Tracking and avoiding triggers
Whether it’s certain soaps, fabrics or food, identifying your condition’s triggers can really make a difference. Keep a diary of when symptoms flare-up or worsen, noting any diet or lifestyle changes. You can use this to spot patterns so you can cut out or avoid your triggers.
Hygiene and skin protection
Regular handwashing and avoiding shared personal items (e.g. towels) can help prevent contagious conditions or those spread by infection. Gentle cleansers and face washes can reduce symptoms for conditions like acne. Apply sunscreen daily and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours if you have sensitive skin.
Consistent skincare
Using gentle, fragrance-free products and keeping your skin moisturised can soothe irritation. The right moisturisers will help keep your skin hydrated, which can help with many conditions.
Medical treatments
Your pharmacist or GP can guide you in finding the best approach for your skin. They may recommend over-the-counter creams and ointments, prescription medications or specialist treatments like light therapy. They could also refer you to a dermatologist for more specialised support.
Talking therapies
Therapies like counselling and hypnotherapy can support you with the emotional impact of living with a skin condition. They can help you find ways to overcome anxiety and improve your self-esteem.
Stress management
Practising relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation may reduce flare-ups caused by stress.
How can hypnotherapy help with skin conditions?
Hypnotherapy for skin conditions can provide highly beneficial support, particularly if your condition is influenced by stress.
Solution focused hypnotherapy promotes a calm state, reducing stress that may trigger skin flare-ups. Sessions help you to relax and focus on building healthier habits, such as improving sleep or managing anxiety. Each of our sessions is tailored to your needs, helping to soothe symptoms like itching or discomfort and gain more confidence.
While hypnotherapy is not a cure for skin conditions, it works alongside other treatments to support both your physical and mental wellbeing. Over time, you will find yourself feeling more in control of your condition and experiencing improvements in your skin.
Our Skin Conditions Specialists
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Emma Treby
Mid Devon
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Marina Love
Aylesbury Vale
Peter Ely
Islington
Victoria Anderson
County Durham
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
