|
News
: Researchers at the Centre For Appearance Research
(CFAR) are calling for volunteers to take part in a study investigating the reasons people react differently to having a disfigurement.
More than 1,500 people affected by a wide variety of conditions are being sought to take part in the research called Identifying Factors and Processes Contributing to Successful Adjustment to Disfiguring Conditions.
The main aim of the study is to uncover the key factors which determine whether someone adapts positively or negatively to their appearance changing in some way. By exploring these issues, the researchers hope to understand why some people cope better than others.
Exzema is just one of the conditions the research team is interested in, alongside craniofacial conditions and birthmarks.
One person in 10 will have Exzema at some point in their lifetime.
It may not seem the most severe appearance-affecting condition but a survey from the National
Exzema Society found 86 per cent of sufferers have low self-esteem and some become depressed because of the condition of their skin.
Jackie Thomas from Crystal Palace is just one sufferer who has found coping with
Exzema depressing.
She has had the condition sporadically throughout her whole life. When she was 18 she spent weeks in hospital because her skin was so sore and broken.
She said: "I had to be dressed head-to-toe every day and when it was really bad I was given steroids. It was terrible.
"I found it very embarrassing and didn't want to go out - but I had to go to work and had to put up with it."
Jackie thinks the research could really help patients.
The CFAR is going to use those who manage their disfiguring conditions effectively and do not experience anxiety in social situations as models to suggest new guidelines for support.
The researchers realise how debilitating disfigurement can be and hope by finding the roots of any self-consciousness they can help to alleviate it. CFAR also hopes a deeper understanding of sufferers' feelings will equip support and counselling bodies to deliver the support.
|
