This article will outline the common myths about skin disease and the ways in which the media can affect these. We will then look at the ways in which people can feel stigmatized as a result of these myths.

Unlike conditions such as cancer and HIV, which are ranked high on the list of medical problems in terms of public awareness, dermatological conditions (like acne) rarely receive attention in public health campaigns and so their effect on people’s lives tends to be underrated, and no real value given to effective acne remedies without resorting to drugs.

Furthermore, this lack of awareness means that less is known about the causes and consequences of skin diseases and one acne remedy as compared to other, more high profile, medical conditions. It is estimated that approximately 20 per cent of the UK population suffer with some form of skin disease at any time, with eczema, acne and infectious disorders (e.g. athlete’s foot) being the most commonly presented complaints at GP’s surgeries.