Abstract :
Visible dermatological conditions can substantially affect psychological well-being, particularly body image and self-esteem. Despite increasing interest in psychodermatology, the mechanisms underlying these associations remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to examine the relationship between body image disturbance and self-esteem in patients with visible skin disorders and to investigate whether body image disturbance mediates the relationship between disease-related burden and self-esteem. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among patients diagnosed with visible dermatological conditions, including acne, psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis. Participants completed standardized measures assessing body image disturbance, self-esteem, and dermatology-related quality of life. Statistical analyses included correlation, multiple regression, and mediation analysis using PROCESS macro. Findings indicated a significant negative association between body image disturbance and self-esteem. Higher levels of body image disturbance were associated with lower self-esteem and poorer quality of life. Mediation analysis revealed that body image disturbance partially mediated the relationship between disease severity and self-esteem, suggesting a key psychological pathway linking dermatological conditions to reduced self-worth. Body image disturbance plays a central role in explaining reduced self-esteem among patients with visible skin disorders. These findings highlight the importance of integrating psychological assessment and intervention into dermatological care within a biopsychosocial framework.