If you suffer from acne, you are undoubtedly aware that acne causes more than red bumps and blackheads. Chronic acne also has psychological repercussions. People who have never suffered from acne may not understand what causes it. This leads to embarrassing stigmas and hurtful remarks.
Chronic acne may leave a person feeling isolated and anxious about other people noticing their breakouts. Because of this, a general reduction in quality of life as well as psychological conditions such as depression and social dysfunction can stem from chronic acne.
Reduced Quality of Life
Acne sufferers may suffer a reduced quality of life. According to the Dermatology Online Journal, "Quality of life is the degree of enjoyment or satisfaction experienced in everyday life." Some may dwell on the fact that they have acne, avoiding experiences that they might normally enjoy. An example of this can be seen in an acne sufferer who avoids being in photographs with friends and family or avoids swimming due to blemishes on their chest or back.
Reduced quality of life may be more prevalent in adults with acne who have struggled with acne for long periods of time and experienced multiple treatment failures. Finally, other problems that can stem from acne such as depression and social dysfunction can further reduce the overall quality of life.
Depression
Many chronic acne sufferers may develop depression as a result of the continuous struggle that acne imposes. According to the Dermatology Online Journal, a study of acne sufferers in dermatological care showed that 30 percent of these patients believed that poor skin hygiene contributed to their acne. In fact, acne is caused by hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause or stress can cause excess oil production. This oil mixes with dead skin cells and skin bacteria resulting in clogged pores and breakouts.
Unfortunately, misconceptions about what causes acne may leave acne sufferers feeling embarrassed or shameful. Prolonged suffering from unavoidable embarrassment and teasing from peers may eventually result in clinical depression.
Social Dysfunction
A distorted self-image and low self-esteem often accompanies chronic acne. Society puts a strong emphasis on appearance. High school students and adult professionals alike suffer the social impacts of acne. According to DermNet NZ, some acne sufferers may avoid eye contact due to a lack of self-esteem.
Also, some may grow their hair or wear excessive makeup in an attempt to cover up blemishes, which actually exacerbates the acne itself. Professional problems arise when an acne sufferer begins to take personal days from work to avoid being seen during a breakout. Social interactions with the opposite sex are particularly impacted, when a lack of self-confidence and fear of rejection hinder acne sufferers from forming romantic relationships. In extreme cases, acne may cause a person to become reclusive, avoiding all social contact.
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