EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY
The Burden of Skin Disease
Skin diseases often remain hidden in plain sight, their emotional, psychological, and social tolls overlooked or misunderstood. Commissioned by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), I worked to spotlight the profound human impact of these conditions. This project aimed to foster understanding and raise awareness about the broader challenges of accessing dermatological care and the emotional consequences of living with skin diseases.
I was commissioned to produce a series of fine-art portraits and stories, traveling to countries across Europe to document diverse narratives. My journey took me to the UK, Romania, and Greece, where I spent time with individuals living with a range of skin conditions. Through this process, I sought to portray the profound human impact of these diseases while highlighting the varied healthcare challenges across different contexts.
"Before this disease I had a full life. 24 hours in a day was not enough. Now I am afraid to even hug my grandchildren."
- Effie, Bullous Pemphigoid
ABOVE: LULIA, A CERAMICIST USING ART TO EXPLORE HER OWN DISEASE
ABOVE: EUGEN & TASOULA FEATURED IN THE BEYOND MY SKIN CAMPAIGN
In Romania, I spent time with Alexandra, a woman who has alopecia and has faced significant stigma and isolation. Her story is a testament to her resilience. “Hair is seen as a girl’s wealth. I tried to replace my hair with different wigs, similar in color to mine. None of this made me feel better. I hated my body; I hated myself,” she shared, reflecting on her journey.
Lulia, a ceramist battling skin cancer, used her art to navigate and express her experience with illness. “In the past, I used my art to explore the relationship between mind and body, but the physical and emotional impact of having skin cancer left me exhausted and overwhelmed,” she confided.
In Greece, I spent time with Stavroula, who suffers from Hidradenitis Suppurativa and endured severe isolation and pain. Her father’s unwavering support was a crucial part of her journey. "No matter how much I cried, no matter how much I struggled, I remained trapped in this skin with time passing painfully over me," she said, articulating the depth of her struggle.
Maria, living with Bullous Pemphigoid, spoke about the drastic changes her condition brought to her life. "Memories of childhood, being in nature, are things only in the past now. It hurts mentally and physically to even walk down the street." she shared. Meanwhile, Eugen, in Romania, exemplified the burden of balancing familial responsibilities with his health challenges as he battled melanoma.
ABOVE: ALEXANDRA, BURIED BENEATH THE WIGS OF HER YOUTH
ABOVE: STAVROULA & HER FATHER PANAGIOTIS
These deeply personal narratives were shared with me through trust and openness. My approach was centred on collaboration, allowing space for each participant to guide their own story. Spending meaningful time together, I focused on truly understanding their experiences, creating an environment where they felt comfortable to share their stories. This process was not about simply documenting their struggles, but about connecting with them on a human level, respecting their vulnerability, and capturing the resilience that emerged from it. The importance of collaboration in this project cannot be overstated—each story was shaped by the individuals themselves, and it was through our shared understanding that I could portray their experiences in a way that went beyond just the medical or visible aspects of their conditions.
ABOVE: MARIA, LIVING WITH BULLOUS PEMPHIGOID IN THESSALONIKI
ABOVE: ISHEETA - TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS
Set to be exhibited at the European Parliament, this project will serve as a powerful tool for advocacy and education. Through evocative imagery and heartfelt storytelling, it seeks to challenge misconceptions, foster empathy, and inspire meaningful change in the approach to dermatological care. Beyond My Skin aims to create a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of the impact of skin diseases, bridging the gap between public perception and the lived realities of those affected.
ABOVE: STAVROULA: I FELT TRAPPED IN SKIN I DID NOT RECOGNISE AT MY OWN.
ABOVE: EFFIE, A GRANDMOTHER IN BUCHAREST LIVING WITH BULLOUS PEMPHIGOID
