Acne is typically viewed as a physical or medical condition. But while many teenagers and young adults cope with their flare-ups relatively well, acne can and does inflict emotional damage in the form of embarrassment and social anxiety among those who have moderate to severe cases. For these teens and young adults, emotional scarring can be deep.
What is Acne
The National Institutes of Health defines acne as a skin problem that manifests in the form of pimples, which can range from whiteheads to pustules, papules and even cysts. Acne affects three of every four teenagers and sometimes persists into adulthood. It happens when a natural oil, called sebum, old skin cells and bacteria mix and block the skin's pores. It is usually easy to identify someone who has acne, because it most frequently appears on the face.
Acne and Mental Distress
Norwegian researchers found a direct relationship between severity of acne and mental distress, including anxiety. A study of 3,775 teenagers, published on the BMC Public Health website, found those with mental distress were more likely to have acne.
Perception
Acne sufferers often experience anxiety when their condition is highly visible, because they believe it affects how others perceive them. Canadian researchers Shannon Hanna, Jasdeep Sharma and Jennifer Klotz point out that many people think bad hygiene causes acne. This is untrue, but acne sufferers sometimes fear they will be perceived as "dirty" or bad-looking because of their pimples. A guy with acne may feel awkward about asking a girl out for a date, or a girl may be fearful of making friends at school.
Effects
The New Zealand Dermatological Society cites many negative effects of acne-related anxiety. Teenagers with severe flare-ups often develop a lasting negative body image. They may withdraw socially and have problems forming relationships with others. They may avoid school and stay home as often as possible.
Young adults may isolate themselves and skip work and social engagements. Self-esteem plummets.
Warning
Acne can play a role in suicide if it does not respond to treatment or causes scarring, a study in the Dermatology Online Journal reports. Canadian researchers from Dalhousie University Medical School in Canada and the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, also in Canada, studied seven cases of acne-related suicide. Six of the seven victims had treatment-resistant pimples, and all of them had scars. Although the occurrence is low, the researchers recommend depression screening of patients with severe acne to identify people who may be at risk.
