Val, age 62, was diagnosed with asthma at 57 although looking back she now feels that she may have had it for a few years before that. She is white British and married with three adult step children. She is a self-employed researcher and lecturer. Val was surprised to find that asthma can start later in life, especially because she has always been very fit and healthy. She initially put her symptoms down to getting older.

Emma was 10 when she first started getting acne on her face and chest. She tried topical creams and antibiotics before taking two courses of Roaccutane (isotretinoin). Her acne and subsequent scarring have made her feel very self-conscious in the past.

Marga developed acne around the age of 18/19. She has tried oral contraceptives, oral antibiotics, topical creams, shop-bought products and natural' remedies. At times, acne has had an impact on her emotionally by lowering her confidence and self-esteem.