Chronic skin disorders are among the most prevalent health conditions worldwide and are increasingly recognized as illnesses that extend beyond physical symptoms to have an impact on life quality and mental health. The psychological consequences of visible and persistent dermatological conditions include depression, anxiety, suicidality, social withdrawal, and impaired well-being. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the relationship between chronic skin disorders and mental health outcomes while also assessing their impact on quality of life. A comprehensive search of six electronic databases identified 1,000 records, of which 15 studies published between 2010 and 2024 were included. The studies comprised population-based cohorts, cross-sectional surveys, and systematic reviews. Depression was reported in 16 to 30 percent of patients across psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Anxiety was observed in up to 30 percent of patients with rosacea and 17 percent of those with vitiligo, with some studies showing odds ratios as high as 2.5. Suicidality was most notable in adolescents with acne and adults with psoriasis. Quality of life was consistently impaired, with mean Dermatology Life Quality Index scores ranging from 10 in acne to 18 in hidradenitis suppurativa. These findings confirm the significant psychosocial burden of chronic skin disorders and highlight the need for interdisciplinary care and future longitudinal research integrating psychological outcomes.

skin disorders, depression, anxiety, suicidality, quality of life