MYTHS AND STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH SKIN DISEASES:A REVIEW ARTICLE

Skin disease is often obvious and very visible to others. Those who have skin diseases have not only to cope with the effects of their disease but also the reaction of others to their condition. There is stigma attached to a wide range of skin diseases, affecting many millions of people, just as there is for mental illness and sexually-transmitted infections.The skin diseases are often incurable and treatments aim to reduce symptoms. Common examples include eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea and vitiligo. Whether these conditions are common or very rare, the impact on quality of life can be far-reaching and profound even without stigmatisation. Stigmatisation is an expression of prejudice and ignorance which the medical profession has a duty to combat with information and education.

This study is done to review the literature related to myths and stigma associated with skin diseases. The people should be given health education by medical staff and myths should be removed.The community health workers should give proper health education to people.Education programs are needed to dispel common myths and misconceptions.