Date: 03/11/2025

by Hernán Cortés 1ORCID,Lizbeth Cariño-Calvo 2,Octavio D. Reyes-Hernández 3ORCID,Martín Rojas-Márquez 4ORCID,Jonathan J. Magaña 1ORCID,Pablo A. Vizcaino-Dorado 1,Edgar Y. Villegas-Vazquez 5ORCID,Laura Itzel Quintas-Granados 6ORCID,Elizabeth Jiménez-Islas 7,Valeria A. Cortés-Mollinedo 8ORCID,Gerardo Leyva-Gómez 7,*ORCID andManuel González-Del Carmen 8,*ORCID

A recent study has highlighted an important aspect of living with Lamellar Ichthyosis (LI) that deserves our attention and action - the impact on mental health.

What the Research Found:

Among people with Lamellar Ichthyosis:

• 92% showed some level of anxiety (mild to severe)
• 80% experienced depression (mild to severe)
• 71% showed some level of suicide risk

By comparison, in people without ichthyosis:

• Only 54% had any anxiety symptoms
• Only 21% had any depression symptoms
• Only 30% showed any suicide risk

Why This Matters:

This research helps validate what many in our community have experienced - that living with a visible skin condition can create significant emotional challenges alongside physical ones.

The Good News:

Understanding these connections means we can take targeted action to improve overall wellbeing. Mental health challenges associated with ichthyosis are not inevitable - they can be addressed with proper support.

Moving Forward Together:

The researchers recommend a whole-person approach to care that includes:

• Mental health evaluations alongside dermatology appointments
• Team approaches between skin doctors and mental health professionals
• Therapeutic options like cognitive behavioral therapy when needed
• Community-based strategies to reduce stigma and build understanding

Finding Strength:

Many members of our community have found ways to thrive despite these challenges. Building connections with others who understand, developing coping strategies, and working with healthcare providers who see the whole person - not just the skin condition - can make a tremendous difference.

?? Remember: Having feelings of anxiety or depression doesn't mean you're not strong - it means you're human. Reaching out for support is a sign of courage, not weakness.

If you're struggling with mental health challenges, please know you're not alone. Speak with your healthcare provider about resources available to you or reach out to our community support networks.

Together, we can build a future where everyone with ichthyosis has access to comprehensive care for both body and mind. ??

Read the full article here https://www.mdpi.com/2396202

#IchthyosisAwareness #MentalHealth #RareDiseaseResearch