The impact of chronic skin disease in adolescence and the need for specialist adolescent services

Understanding and supporting young people exposed to online misinformation about eczema

The traditional patient-clinician relationship is changing as young people and their families often now turn to the internet and social media for health information, treatment advice and support. Much of that content, however, is unregulated, unverified and inaccurate, which leads to the dissemination of health misinformation. Healthcare professionals working with young people with eczema and their families need to understand why young people turn to social media for health information, identify trends in online misinformation about eczema, and provide alternative, trustworthy sources of information. This article discusses particular areas of online misinformation about eczema as well as dermatology content on specific social media platforms. It also reports the views of young people on the youth panel of the charity Eczema Outreach Support about different social media platforms.

Comparison of the Skindex-Teen and the Skindex-29 quality of life survey instruments in a predominantly American Indian adolescent population

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The Skindex-29 and Skindex-Teen assess dermatology-related quality of life among adults and adolescents, respectively. This study directly compared the same adolescents' responses to the Skindex-29 relative to Skindex-Teen in a predominantly American Indian and/or Alaska Native population. This population is underrepresented in medical research. Although skin-related quality-of-life issues are widespread, American Indian and/or Alaska Native adolescents are not well-represented in related studies.

METHODS

Data were collected in-person by self-report survey at two regional powwows in Denver, Colorado in 2021 and 2022. Respondents completed the full Skindex-29 and Skindex-Teen (40 unique items total).

RESULTS

Eighty-six adolescents, 12-17 years old, completed the survey. The majority (70.9%, 61/86) of respondents self-identified as American Indian and/or Alaska Native. Analyses were conducted with all respondent survey data. Nearly two-thirds (64.0%, 55/86) of our respondents had a Skindex-29 score that revealed their quality of life was impaired at least mildly by skin disease. The Skindex-29 and Skindex-Teen demonstrated good reliability; there was substantial concordance between responses to the two measures (r values ranged from 0.88 to 0.97 for similar subscales). Compared to younger adolescents (aged 12-14), older adolescents (aged 15-17) reported worse dermatology-related quality of life and emotional toll based on higher Skindex-29 total, Skindex-Teen total, Skindex-29 Emotional subscale, and Skindex-Teen Psychosocial Functioning subscale scores.

CONCLUSIONS

American Indian and/or Alaska Native adolescents suffer from skin-related quality-of-life issues. The Skindex-Teen and Skindex-29 generated similar information regarding quality of life in young patients with skin disease. While the Skindex-Teen may be slightly more relevant to adolescents, these surveys were highly concordant. Both the Skindex-Teen and Skindex-29 exhibited frequent "never" responses to questions about impact of skin conditions on relationships with others and tendencies to stay home. Thus, careful attention should be paid to such questions to ensure their relevance to adolescents.

Experiences of appearance conversations among young people living with a visible difference

Stigmatisation surrounding having a visible difference to the face or body may have a marked impact on how young people communicate about appearance. The aim of our study was therefore to explore the experiences of appearance conversations among young people living with a visible difference. Interviews were conducted with 32 young people (mean age 14.1 years; 67.7% girls), with a condition resulting in a visible difference (e.g., craniofacial condition or scarring). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified three themes. Importance of Safety and Understanding reflects the importance of feeling safe in order to be able to talk about appearance. Participants described appearance conversations as often originating in their need for emotional support or practical assistance when encountering difficulties (Conversations When in Need of Support), but appearance was also experienced as a sensitive topic that was difficult to talk about (Avoiding Appearance Conversations). Our results highlight the importance of creating spaces where young people with a visible difference feel safe to bring up the topic of appearance when in need of support. Elements that facilitate such conversations include others having knowledge about the condition and having one's feelings and experiences validated instead of minimised.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Children and Adolescents: An Update on Pharmacologic Treatment Options

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin condition that manifests as painful, deep-seated, inflamed nodules and abscesses in the axillary, groin, perianal, perineal, and inframammary regions. The associated pain, malodour, and disfigurement contribute to its profound negative impact on psychosocial spheres and overall quality of life in affected individuals. Although the symptoms of HS classically begin in the second or third decade of life, HS affects children and adolescents as well. Despite this, there are limited pediatric data on treatment, which are largely based on expert opinion, extrapolation of efficacy data in adults with HS, and safety information from medication use in other pediatric diseases. On this basis, there exist several pharmacological modalities in the treatment of children and adolescents with HS including topical therapies, systemic therapies, and biologics. The goals of this review article are to: (1) review the efficacy of different pharmacological treatment modalities in children and adolescents with HS, and (2) review the safety and monitoring considerations of the different treatment options in children and adolescents with HS.

Methotrexate for inflammatory skin disease in pediatric patients: Consensus treatment guidelines

Methotrexate (MTX) is a readily accessible drug, first used in 1948 and employed for a wide variety of indications since then. However, despite widespread off-label use, FDA labeling does not include approved indications for the use of MTX for many inflammatory skin diseases in pediatric patients, including morphea, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata, among others. Without published treatment guidelines, some clinicians may be hesitant to use MTX off-label, or uncomfortable prescribing MTX in this population. To address this unmet need, an expert consensus committee was convened to develop evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for use of MTX to treat pediatric inflammatory skin disease. Clinicians with experience and expertise in clinical research, drug development, and treating inflammatory skin disease in pediatric patients with MTX were recruited. Five committees were created based on major topic areas: (1) indications and contraindications, (2) dosing, (3) interactions with immunizations and medications, (4) adverse effects (potential for and management of), and (5) monitoring needs. Pertinent questions were generated and addressed by the relevant committee. The entire group participated in a modified Delphi process to establish agreement on recommendations for each question. The committee developed 46 evidence- and consensus-based recommendations, each with >70% agreement among members, across all five topics. These are presented in tables and text, along with a discussion of supporting literature, and level of evidence. These evidence- and consensus-based recommendations will support safe and effective use of MTX for the underserved population of pediatric patients who may benefit from this valuable, time-honored medication.

Characterization of online support group resources for patients with dermatologic conditions

Dermatologic conditions can have significant quality of life effects on patients. The internet is a first-line accessible resource for patients to seek support and community in managing dermatologic diagnoses. The accessibility and content of online support resources for patients with dermatologic conditions is unclear so we sought to characterize these resources. We conducted online searches utilizing incognito Google, Yahoo, and Bing search engines and identified a total of 36 support group resources. 9 links were for single dermatology support groups and 27 links were for databases of support groups for different dermatologic conditions. We tallied number totals and percentages of online support resources and found wide variability of material in terms of the readability of the group websites, as well as content, medium, and hosts of the groups. Furthermore, we observed an imbalance in representation of resources for certain dermatologic conditions as opposed to others, further highlighting the strong need for the creation of easy-to-access support groups for patients across the spectrum of dermatological disease.

Transition readiness in adolescents and young adults with chronic genetic skin conditions

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Healthcare transition (HCT) refers to movement from pediatric to adult healthcare models. Lack of HCT preparation contributes to poor health outcomes. This study measures readiness to transition in individuals with genetic skin conditions.

METHODS

Participants signed IRB-approved consents/assents. Participants ages 14-22 years with genetic skin disorders were surveyed with measures of QoL (Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index/CDLQI or DLQI) and HCT readiness using the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) and adapted non-validated measures of Skin Knowledge and Psychosocial Factors (5 = highest readiness). Mean TRAQ was compared with historical data on controls and other chronic conditions (t-tests) and correlated (Pearson) with Skin Knowledge and Psychosocial. Multivariable regression compared demographics and QoL with transition readiness.

RESULTS

A total of 45 participants were enrolled (mean age 17.8 years, 67% female, 71% White; disorders of cornification [n = 31], ectodermal dysplasias [n = 7], epidermolysis bullosa [n = 4], tuberous sclerosis [n = 3]). Mean TRAQ (3.3 ± 0.9) was lower than controls (3.9; p < .001) and some chronic disorders (sickle cell [3.7; p < .05], type 1 diabetes [3.7; p < .01]), but higher than with spina bifida (2.8; p < .001) and congenital heart disease (2.9; p < .01). Mean Skin Knowledge was 4.2 ± 1.0, and mean Psychosocial was 3.4 ± 0.8. TRAQ correlated strongly with Skin Knowledge (r = .61; p < .05), but not Psychosocial (r = .12; p = .6). Ages 14-17 years versus 18-22 years and public versus private insurance predicted lower TRAQ scores. Poor DLQI predicted higher TRAQ and Skin Knowledge, but poor DLQI and CDLQI predicted lower Psychosocial.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents and young adults with genetic skin disorders demonstrated low transition readiness, especially among younger-aged and lower socioeconomic groups. We recommend a HCT intervention to improve health outcomes.

Stigma, social appearance anxiety and coping in men and women living with skin conditions: A mixed methods analysis

Background

The psychological impact of living with a skin condition can have a profound impact on quality of life and could cause appearance-related social anxiety. Existing research suggests ambiguous findings in relation to whether the impact of living with a skin condition differs between males and females.

Objectives

The present study aimed to explore the association between stigma, coping styles and social appearance anxiety in men and women living with a skin condition in the United Kingdom.

Methods

231 participants (n = 199 females, n = 30 males, n = 2 non-binary) completed a cross-sectional online questionnaire, capturing quantitative data with the social appearance anxiety scale (SAAS), the shortened version of the coping inventory for stressful situations (CISS-21), and qualitative data from free-text comments and thematic content analysis. Respondents were also asked to provide additional free text comments in relation to the challenges faced and how these were managed.

Results

Content analysis revealed that males and females faced daily practical, social and emotional challenges and coped with them in several ways; with higher levels of social appearance anxiety associated with both higher perceived severity of skin condition and younger age. Males and females appeared equally as emotionally affected by living with a skin condition, with the only significant gender difference being females as significantly more likely to engage in avoidant coping behaviours than males.

Conclusions

Living with a skin condition presents daily practical, social, and psychological challenges for males and females that have the potential to impact on quality of life. Findings highlight the need for dermatological care to routinely address these issues, and psychosocial interventions must be made available to promote healthy coping with skin conditions.

Is it safe? Exploring positive and negative outcome changes following a web-based intervention for adolescents distressed by a visible difference (YP Face IT)

Despite the importance of making sure that psychological interventions are safe, research including both positive and negative effects of novel internet-delivered support is scarce. The aim of our study was to explore whether, and in what way, a new intervention for adolescents distressed by a visible difference (YP Face IT; YPF, Norwegian version) led to positive and/or negative outcome changes. Participants were 79 adolescents (62.00% girls; M_age = 13.84, SD = 1.73), with a visible difference. All had access to the YPF programme and answered questionnaires assessing social anxiety and body esteem pre- and post-intervention. Analyses included calculations of statistical as well as clinically significant and reliable changes. Results showed that fewer participants reported clinical levels of social anxiety and low body esteem after access to YPF. Results also indicated that participants who had a positive pre- to post-intervention change had lower levels of perceived self-worth pre-intervention, and spent more time on the intervention than those with a negative pre- to post change. Three participants showed a clinically significant negative and reliable change in social anxiety or body esteem from pre- to post-intervention. However, based on an examination of these participants' characteristics, preliminary findings support the safety of YPF.

Barriers, goals, and enablers of transition of care in pediatric dermatology

Adolescent patients with complex skin disorders may require ongoing care for their conditions as they "age out" of the pediatric setting into adult care. Yet despite consensus from the Canadian Paediatric Society and American Academy of Pediatrics on the importance of dedicated transition programs for these patients, there is a scarcity of such programs worldwide, and no formal programs in Canada. This paper explores several barriers, goals, and potential enablers of transition programs in this discipline and proposes principles of transition versus transfer in the context of pediatric dermatology.

Cost‐effectiveness analysis of a psychosocial web‐based intervention for adolescents distressed by a visible difference: Results from a randomized controlled trial in Norway

Adolescents with a visible difference to the face or body (e.g., due to a congenital condition, illness, or injury), may be at risk of elevated psychological distress. Young Person's Face IT (YPF), a web-based psychosocial intervention, has displayed effectiveness, but no previous study has specifically evaluated its cost-effectiveness. The aim of our study was to investigate whether YPF could be a cost-effective alternative for psychosocial support to adolescents distressed by a visible difference, relative to care-as-usual (CAU). Within the context of a randomized controlled trial in Norway, 102 participants (43% boys) were allocated to intervention (n = 55) or waiting list control group (n = 47). Mean age was 13.9 years (SD = 1.71; range 11-18), and all self-identified as experiencing distress related to a visible difference. Participants answered questionnaires including measures of health-related quality of life and social anxiety at baseline and 3-month follow-up. A health economic evaluation using the method of cost-utility analysis was performed, including quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Results indicated that the incremental cost-effectiveness of YPF was 63,641 Norwegian kroner per QALYs gained, which is well within the acceptability threshold in the Norwegian healthcare sector. Hence, YPF could potentially be considered a cost-effective intervention for adolescents experiencing distress related to a visible difference, but more research is needed that includes comparisons of YPF to other health- and societal resources and long-term follow-ups. Our study also constitutes an addition to research as, compared to interventions for somatic diseases, there is a lack of studies exploring the cost-effectiveness of psychological interventions.

Psychiatric Consequences of Skin Conditions: Multiple Case Study Analysis with Literature Review

This review of current literature demonstrates the psychological implications of skin conditions. Skin conditions of varying severity can impact the quality of patients' lives and have psychiatric consequences. This impact provides a need for healthcare providers to consider the psychological implications of one's skin conditions and their effect on quality of life. The psychological challenges that arise from varying skin conditions show the potential need for both dermatological and psychiatric interventions. The following literature review details the psychiatric consequences of skin conditions under various conditions. It first looks at literature highlighting the psychiatric consequences experienced through various age ranges, from adults to adolescents and children. The paper then explores multiple skin conditions and their psychological effect before highlighting some of the interactions that stress has on the skin that could further exacerbate one's condition. Finally, it examines how patients characterize their experience with their skin condition and goes into some clinical case studies of patients with psychological implications as a result of their skin disorder. The paper also highlights the magnitude of dermatologic patients experiencing psychological conditions in conjunction with their skin conditions.

Association between skin disorders and depression in children and adolescents: A retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between skin disorders and depression in children and adolescents in Germany.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study was based on data from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA). The present study included children and adolescents diagnosed for the first time with depression in 185 pediatric practices between January 2017 and December 2019 (index date) and matched controls without depression. Chronic skin conditions documented within 12 months prior to the index date (i.e. date of first depression diagnosis) were included in the analyses if their prevalence was at least 0.5% in the study population. Associations between nine different skin disorders and depression (dependent variable) were analyzed in a conditional logistic regression model.

RESULTS

This study included 7,061 cases with depression and 7,061 matched controls without depression (mean age 11.3 (SD: 3.8) years; 53.4% female). Three disorders were significantly associated with depression: atopic dermatitis/eczema (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.37-1.64), nail disorders (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.20-2.82), and hair loss (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.30-2.60). In sex-stratified regression analyses, atopic dermatitis/eczema (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.26-1.61) and hair loss (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.37-3.03), were significantly associated with depression in females, since only atopic dermatitis/eczema was associated with depression (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.39-1.80) in males. However, strong non-significant association was additionally observed for nail disorders (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.07-4.01), and pigmentation disorders (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.05-3.54) in females.

CONCLUSIONS

Some skin disorders are positively associated with depression in children and adolescents. Further research is needed for better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and mediating factors.

'Not just a piece of skin in front of you'-a qualitative exploration of the experiences of adolescents with eczema and psoriasis with healthcare professionals

BACKGROUND

There is little qualitative research in the UK focussing on adolescents' experience of their healthcare providers, and inflammatory skin conditions are a common heath problem in adolescence.

AIM

To explore the experiences of adolescents with eczema and psoriasis with healthcare professionals, and to distil the participants' key messages for their healthcare providers.

DESIGN

This is a secondary thematic analysis of interviews with adolescents with eczema or psoriasis.

PARTICIPANTS

There were a total of 41 text transcripts of interviews with young people with eczema or psoriasis who had given permission for secondary analysis; 23 of the participants had eczema, and 18 psoriasis. Participants were living in the UK at time of interview, and aged 15-24 years old.

RESULTS

We have distilled the following key messages from young people with eczema and psoriasis for healthcare providers: (1) address the emotional impact; (2) give more information, with the subtheme and (3) appreciate patient research. We identified the following eczema-specific themes: (ECZ-4) 'It's not taken seriously'; (ECZ-5) offer choice in treatment and (ECZ-6) lack of structure/conflicting advice. Two psoriasis-specific themes were identified: (PSO-4) feeling dehumanised/treat me as a person; and (PSO-5) think about how treatments will affect daily life.

CONCLUSION

This qualitative data analysis highlights the need for greater recognition of the emotional impact of skin disease in adolescence, and for more comprehensive provision of information about the conditions. We call for greater sensitivity and flexibility in our approach to adolescents with skin disease, with important implications for healthcare delivery to this group.

Quality-of-Life Impairment among Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1795 Patients

The chronic, inflammatory skin disorder hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated well documented negative influences on patients' quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to present more robust data on patients' QoL impairment by demographic data and its correlation with well-known HS risk factors on a cohort of 1795 German patients. The instrument used for measuring QoL in this study was the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Overall, patients reported a very large effect of HS on their QoL (mean DLQI: 13.2 ± 8.1 points), and 22% of the analyzed population even reported to consider the effect as extremely large. Women tended to experience significantly higher impairment than men (p < 0.001). QoL impairment correlated positively with pain (r = 0.581, p < 0.001), HS severity (measured by the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4)) as well as Hurley. Neck involvement tended to decrease QoL significantly more than any other location (14.7 ± 8.3 points). This study confirms the enormous influence of HS on patients' QoL in a large cohort. Knowledge of QoL impairment in such patients is crucial for proper understanding and holistic management of this disease.

Health, educational and employment outcomes among children treated for a skin disorder: Scotland-wide retrospective record linkage cohort study of 766,244 children

BACKGROUND

To compare health, educational and employment outcomes of schoolchildren receiving medication for a skin disorder with peers.

METHODS

This retrospective population cohort study linked eight Scotland-wide databases, covering dispensed prescriptions, hospital admissions, maternity records, death certificates, annual pupil census, school examinations, school absences/exclusions and unemployment to investigate educational (absence, exclusion, special educational need, academic attainment), employment, and health (admissions and mortality) outcomes of 766,244 children attending local authority run primary, secondary and special schools in Scotland between 2009 and 2013.

RESULTS

After adjusting for sociodemographic and maternity confounders the 130,087 (17.0%) children treated for a skin disorder had increased hospitalisation, particularly within one year of commencing treatment (IRR 1.38, 95% CI 1.35-1.41, p<0.001) and mortality (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.18-1.90, p<0.001). They had greater special educational need (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.17-1.21, p<0.001) and more frequent absences from school (IRR 1.07, 95% CI 1.06-1.08, p<0.001) but did not exhibit poorer exam attainment or increased post-school unemployment. The associations remained after further adjustment for comorbid chronic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite increased hospitalisation, school absenteeism, and special educational need, children treated for a skin disorder did not have poorer exam attainment or employment outcomes. Whilst findings relating to educational and employment outcomes are reassuring, the association with increased risk of mortality is alarming and merits further investigation.