Skin conditions such as rashes or eczema could signal a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and depression, according to a new study. 

While they serve different functions, the skin and brain both originate from the same embryonic layer of cells in the womb called the ectoderm. 

This common origin motivated scientists at the Gregorio Marañón Institute of Health Research in Spain to explore a potential connection between mental health issues and skin problems.

They examined 481 individuals who had undergone an episode of psychosis, which can include symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and a break from reality.

On testing, 14.5 percent were found to have dermatological symptoms such as rash, itching, and photosensitivity. 

This trend was more prevalent in females than males (24 percent versus 10 percent). 

All patients were given four weeks treatment with an antipsychotic and then rechecked for a range of mental health parameters.

After tracking them for four weeks, the team found those with both psychosis and skin conditions exhibited heightened levels of depression and suicidal risk.

Skin conditions such as rashes or eczema could signal a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and depression, according to a new study (stock image)

The researchers found that 25 percent of the patients with skin conditions had suicidal thoughts or attempts.

While just seven percent of patients without skin conditions had suicidal thoughts or attempts. 

Dr. Joaquín Galvañ, the lead researcher, noted: ‘Our findings indicate that having skin conditions may signify a higher risk for poor outcomes among patients who have experienced their first episode of psychosis compared to those without skin issues.’

The scientists suggest that if this observation is validated, it could serve as an early indicator of mental health risks, much like a blood test might flag increased susceptibility to cancer or heart disease.

Dr. Galvañ continued: ‘It was already known that between 30 percent and 60 percent of people with skin conditions show psychiatric symptoms. 

‘Our approach was to investigate from a reverse perspective: do individuals with mental health disorders also have skin issues, and does this association offer any valuable insights?’ Dr. Galvañ explained.

‘Our findings suggest that dermatological symptoms may represent a marker of illness severity and poor short-term outcomes in the early stages of psychosis, potentially identifying a subgroup of patients with a poorer clinical prognosis who may benefit from early tailored interventions.’ 

The reason for the connection is still unclear, the researchers said, but their working hypothesis is that it may be due to the skin and neurological systems having common developmental origins.

Visit rate for Americans with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or both disorders at health centers, by age group in the US in 2022 (the most recent year for which data is available)

Their findings were presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) meeting in Amsterdam. 

Dr. Galvañ added: ‘As far as we know this is the first study to show this link in patients with psychosis, so we need follow-up studies to confirm the finding. 

‘We also need to understand if this link applies also to a range of other psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety or depression’.

The American Psychiatric Association notes that ‘there are many complex connections between skin conditions and mental health conditions’ and more than one-third of dermatological patients have psychological concerns.

It reveals that psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and eczema are among the skin diseases most associated with co-occurring mental health conditions. 

In a separate 2015 study conducted in 13 European countries, 10 percent of dermatological patients were found to have depression, compared with 4.3 percent of controls. 

Anxiety was reported in 17.2 percent of patients, while suicidal ideations were noted in 12.7 percent of patients. 

Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and leg ulcers were among the diseases most associated with these psychiatric comorbidities.