Itch N Bitch

Skin Support – here to help

REMINDER: @itch_n_bitch is a safe space where you can come and ask for advice or meet & make friends with people who simply get the daily struggle of our skin but sadly we are not professionals.

Studies have shown

Sharing tips for coping through social media channels and provide forums for peer-to-peer support and shared learning are key.

70%

of British people with skin conditions or scars say it affects their confidence.

60%

of people in the UK currently have a skin condition or have previously had a skin condition.

Whilst talking to others can help, there comes a point where you may feel you want to have help learning more or even coping mechanisms for anxiety or the ups and downs of living with Eczema/TSW /Psoriasis/ a itchy skin condition.

Support those suffering by donating towards a itchy care package here.

This blog has a list of charities/ resources that can help!

MENTAL HEALTH

Skin specific mental health support is called Psychodermatology. Psychodermatology addresses the interaction between mind and skin. Psychiatry is more focused on the “internal” non visible disease, and dermatology is focused on the “external” visible disease.

ECZEMA SPECIFIC

PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition, and it can affect people physically and psychologically. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, it is important to remember that it can be managed. With the right treatment and advice, many people live well with psoriasis ➡️https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/

LEARN ABOUT TOPICAL STEROID WITHDRAWAL (TSW)

TSW is An adverse reaction relating to the use of a topical steroid after it has been discontinued with some or all of the following features: redness of the skin which can extend beyond the initial area treated, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin, oozing open sores.

PATIENT SUPPORT GROUPS

A number of patient support groups offer helplines that provides support and information to people living with a skin condition, this includes but is not limited to: Changing Faces, Psoriasis Association, Herpes Viruses Association, National Eczema Society, Behcet’s UK, Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK, British Porphyria Association, Anaphylaxis Campaign, Allergy UK, and Alopecia UK. 

Most patient support groups offer information, booklets or factsheets on the management and treatment for the respective skin condition, including its psychological components. A list of patient support groups can be found here ➡️https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/support-resources/patient-support-groups/

HYPNOTHERAPY by a fellow itchy warrior, Jennifer Austin

Talk to someone who gets it, no need to overexplain. Break out of the itch-scratch cycle by prioritizing your mental health. Caring and professional Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. Focusing on your future, not your past. Underpinned by neuroscience, with elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Neurolinguistic Programming. Be in control of your own brain and rewire your thought patterns to overcome anxiety, depression, stress, habits, and sleep issues.

Online sessions worldwide

MINDFULNESS SUPPORT

Theres techniques you can learn which involves noticing what’s happening in the present moment, without judgment. You might take notice and be aware of your mind, body or surroundings.

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to provide some degree of relief in dozens of medical conditions, including pain, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and more. So it’s little surprise that it’s also been shown to lessen the symptoms in chronic conditions such as eczema.

If you have eczema, there are areas of your brain that are “overactive,” which causes the release of the stress hormone cortisol and other markers of inflammation such as histamines. One small pilot study from Emory University found that meditation helped reduce the urge to itch by deactivating those areas of the brain.

HAIRLOSS

“I remember sitting there hair falling out, skin flaring, and thinking f*ck what have I got going for me? Bauld and flakey at 20.” – ME, AKA @Mackies_Moments

Sadly for some itchy skin can lead to hairloss or even the stress of the itchy skin can cause it. It’s honestly a vicious cycle and one I know all too well. The best thing I ever did was speak to someone about the way my hair loss was making me feel. I truly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t reached out and asked for help.

Talking is healing.

ALLERGIES

REMINDER: @itch_n_bitch is a safe space where you can come and ask for advice or meet & make friends with people who simply get the daily struggle of our skin.

BIG LOVE AND VIRTUAL HUGS,
@Mackies_Moments x

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