31 July 2025
MiDerm App - Summary of Research
Background and Overview
In 2021, researchers at the School of Healthcare Sciences at Cardiff University were awarded funding to co-develop a smartphone application (app) called MiDerm that helps adults to live well with a skin condition.
The research was led by two health psychologists – Dr Rachael Hewitt and Professor Chris Bundy – who worked closely with patients, patient organization leaders and software developers to create MiDerm. This document summarises the findings of this global research project from April 2021 to March 2024.
Phase 1: Review of scientific literature
Research looked at how existing digital interventions or tools (e.g., websites, apps, and online programs) can support the psychological wellbeing of adults with skin conditions.
Researchers found…
23 studies of digital interventions designed to support psychological wellbeing.
Most interventions focused on one skin condition (mainly psoriasis or eczema), were delivered online and provided education on managing skin conditions. Some interventions included therapy methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or mindfulness.
People who used the interventions reported improved mood, quality of life, and knowledge of how to manage their condition, as well as short-term improvements in physical symptoms.
Most users found digital interventions helpful and convenient to use, but technical issues and personal preferences affected how useful people found them.
Overall, the quality and design of the studies varied a lot. This makes it hard to say for sure how well these digital interventions work.
Digital interventions show promise for helping people to live better with skin conditions, but more high-quality, person-focused research is needed to develop digital interventions that work for people living with a wide range of skin conditions.
Phase 2: Understanding patient experiences and support needs and preferences
The research team ran an online survey and online group interviews with adults living with skin conditions to better understand their personal experiences and needs.
Researchers found…
Skin conditions often affect how people see themselves and how others treat them, leading to long-term emotional strain.
Skin conditions can be unpredictable and people often try different ways to cope or feel in control, though not all of these behaviours are helpful or healthy.
Many people want psychological support but turn rely on online forums or social media content because they don’t have access to trusted psychological care.
Most participants welcomed the idea of a smartphone app that helps them to understand, cope with, and manage the psychological impact of their skin condition. Many thought this would be useful for younger people and adults in the early stages of adjusting to life with a skin condition.
Participants wanted an app that offers emotional and behavioural support, evidence-based information, and support from others with similar experiences. They wanted the app to be flexible and user-friendly.
Participants raised some concerns about technical issues, data privacy and making sure the app is accessible to all adults with skin conditions.
Researchers used the findings from Phases 1 and 2 to design a smartphone app called MiDerm that delivers emotional and behavioural support, with input from adults living with skin conditions and software developers.
The MiDerm App includes the following content:
Patient stories of coping with a skin condition.
Signposting to other psychological support and resources (recommended by experts in dermatology and psychology).
Information on psychology and the skin, including the following topics: physical activity, smoking, alcohol, diet, sleep, fatigue, itch & scratching, treatment adherence).
How to be your own psychologist and make meaningful lifestyle changes.
Phase 3: Improving and launching the MiDerm App
In May 2025, Dr Rachael Hewitt returned to Cardiff University to continue the research on the MiDerm App. Phase 3 will involve partnering with adults living with skin conditions and software developers to improve the content and design of the MiDerm App.
The plan is to launch the app in late 2025/early 2026 so that patients can use it free of charge. The research team will search for further funding to continue improving the MiDerm App and assess if using the app has a positive impact on patients’ health and wellbeing.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to all the people, patient organisations and healthcare professionals who have supported this research so far.
If you have any questions about this research or would like to take part in Phase 3, please email: midermapp@cardiff.ac.uk or Dr Rachael Hewitt: hewittr2@cardiff.ac.uk