Skin conditions can adversely affect many aspects of patients’ lives. The quality of life for people with skin conditions such as psoriasis, atopic eczema and acne can be significantly impaired in terms of their psychological wellbeing, social functioning and everyday activities. The significant psychological and social morbidity that occurs in patients with common skin conditions may go unrecognised without appropriate assessment. The level of psychosocial morbidity associated with skin disorders may be underestimated by health professionals.