Many illnesses are not just uncomfortable or painful, but they can also be incredibly embarrassing and have a direct effect on your self-confidence. Afflictions such as spot or covering thin hair flatulence or itching can affect your mental state as well as your physical health.

That is why we should all be far more tolerant of people who have obviously embarrassing conditions. If somebody has a body odour problem or is losing their hair, chances are that they know about it, and remarking on it tactlessly will only add to their shame.

Only bring up the subject if you know the person well enough or if you have something constructive to say or helpful advice to offer. Make sure that the person knows that they are valued as a friend or family as you do not want this affliction to come between you.

It is often worse if it is something that directly affects their identity such as severe acne on a young person who wants to get into the dating game or loss of hair in a female as this affects their femininity.

In short, be sympathetic but helpful, be a friend in their time of need and make sure that they retain their sense of worth in the midst of their suffering. You may yourself suffer from an affliction in the future.