Because of this potential, dermatologists should keep the mental health of their patients in mind when they come in for acne problems, said study researcher Dr. Steven Feldman, a dermatology professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Feldman and his colleagues reviewed 16 studies conducted between 2001 and 2010 that examined the associations between acne and quality of life, self- esteem, personality, mood and psychological disorders.
They found that in general, acne negatively impacted self-esteem and quality of life and increased the risk for psychological disorders.
For example, in a study published last year in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology that was also conducted by Feldman, researchers found that depression is two to three times more prevalent in people with acne than people with clear skin. Women with acne were two times more likely to have depression than men with acne, the study also showed.
What psychosocial problems does acne cause?
The psychological and social impacts of acne are a huge concern, especially because acne affects adolescents at a crucial period when they are developing their personalities. During this time, peer acceptance is very important to the teenager and unfortunately it has been found that there are strong links between physical appearance and attractiveness and peer status.In recent years, open discussions between patients and medical professionals have revealed the impact acne has on the psyche. The following are some of the problems that patients with acne may face.
1. Self esteem and body image
- Some embarrassed acne patients avoid eye contact.
- Some acne sufferers grow their hair long to cover the face. Girls tend to wear heavy make-up to disguise the pimples, even though they know that this sometimes aggravates their acne. Boys often comment: "Acne is not such a problem for girls because they can wear make-up".
- Truncal acne can reduce participation in sport such as swimming or rugby because of the need to disrobe in public changing rooms.
- Acne, especially when it affects the face, provokes cruel taunts from other teenagers.
- Some find it hard to form new relationships, especially with the opposite sex.
- At a time when teenagers are learning to form relationships, those with acne may lack the self confidence to go out and make these bonds. They become shy and even reclusive. The main concern is a fear of negative appraisal by others. In extreme cases a social phobia can develop.
- Some children with acne refuse to go school, leading to poor academic performance.
- Some people with acne take sick days from work, risking their jobs or livelihood.
- Acne may reduce career choices, ruling out occupations such as modelling that depend upon personal appearance.
- Acne patients are less successful in job applications; their lack of confidence being as important as the potential employers' reaction to their spotty skin.
- More people who have acne are unemployed than people who do not have acne.
- Many young adults with acne seek medical help as they enter the workforce, where they perceive that acne is unacceptable and that they "should have grown out of it by now".
