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Study Finds An Interesting Link Between Itchy Skin And Depression

*Bathes in body oil* - by Lucy Bode
  • 01 Nov 2019
Study Finds An Interesting Link Between Itchy Skin And Depression
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Ever had a chronic itch that just wouldn’t ease up, no matter how much calamine lotion or body butter you doused yourself in? While dry winter air and woollen jumpers are most often to blame, new research suggests there could be another culprit entirely: your mental health.

The study, first published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, has found a link between skin irritation and higher levels of clinical depression, suicidal ideation and stress.

To investigate the skin's role in these conditions, researchers analysed 3,530 people with diseases like prurigo, eczema, and psoriasis, and compared them with 1,000 people with no skin concerns. The frequency and intensity of each itch was recorded and each participant was evaluated on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Their intention was to establish how much of an impact the itching had over their mental health – even in the cases that weren’t chronic.

RELATED: 14 Of The Best Body Moisturisers For Dry Skin

depression
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Those who felt itchy due to their skin disease had a 14 per cent likelihood of having depression, compared to just 5.7 per cent for those who weren’t experiencing any irritation at that time. In addition, the healthy participants suffering from itchy skin (say, as a result of weather, allergies or other environmental factors) had a 6 per cent depression rate. In healthy individuals with no itching, this was just 3 per cent.

Interestingly, the people with itchy skin also reported more stressful life events and economic hardships. 

"Our research shows that itch has a high impact on quality of life," the study’s lead researcher Dr Florence J. Dalgard said. "This study illustrates the burden of the symptom of itch and its multidimensional aspect."

RELATED: How To Combat Dry Skin

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Lucy Bode
Lucy Bode
Lucy is Women Health’s digital editor, social media specialist and the go-to girl for all things holistic wellness. Her background as a journalist and passion for food, fitness and integrative medicine has led her to write for some of Australia’s leading publications over the course of her career.

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