Welsh Conservatives are calling for dedicated psychodermatology clinics to be opened across Wales to help people with skin conditions and the knock-on mental health effects.
Psoriasis, an incurable disease which causes red, itchy scaly patches of skin, affects more than 92,000 people across Wales and there are some 4,600 living with severe symptoms.
A skin disorder can have a devastating impact on the person’s mental health, confidence, mood and behaviour, but psychological treatment can be helpful when it comes to coping with and treating many skin conditions.
There are no dedicated psychodermatology clinics in Wales, with patients having to travel to England to seek treatment.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Mental Health, James Evans MS, said:
“The knock-on effects of skin disorders can be utterly devastating for people and can have a serious impact on their mental health.
“Anxiety, depression, low-self-esteem, embarrassment are just a few of the problems skin conditions can throw up, and they can also affect the person’s personal, professional and social life.
“Psychodermatology clinics offer tailored treatment to help people learn new ways of behaving and thinking, and can help in both coping with and treating skin disorders.
“It is unacceptable that people are forced to travel out of Wales for help, and given so many people here suffer with skin disorders, it is vital Labour ministers urgently look at opening psychodermatology clinics in Wales.”