Its only been in recent years that doctors have started really understanding psychosocial ways acne can affect people who suffer from the condition. Even though physical manifestations of acne blur and even disappear with time, psychological scarring may last a lifetime. Acne sufferers of all ages learn to hate themselves because of the blemishes on their faces. Doctors now know that adults with acne can experience just as many emotional scars as teens can.
Studies have revealed that acne can have a severe negative impact on the lives and lifelong attitudes of sufferers. Some of the conditions acne patients commonly experience include social withdrawal, low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, poor body image, embarrassment, depression, anger, frustration, and higher incidence of unemployment. As these results can have devastating effects on the quality of all aspects of a persons life including social, job, and school.
We all know that the teen years are an extremely sensitive time in life. Teens have to deal with so many physical, social, and emotional changes that acne just adds another cruel blow to their already fragile egos. It doesnt matter that 75% of their peers also suffer acne problems. Even one zit and make a teen feel like hiding under the bed.
People used to think that adults were better able to handle the psychological traumas of acne, but they were wrong. As a person ages, their skin loses collagen which means that the skins ability to heal damaged tissue is reduced. Because of this, adult acne leaves worse scarring than teens have. For many years these adult patients have suffered silently and alone. Now, though, more patients are seeking medical help, and dermatologists are treating the whole patient instead of just the acne.
Acne is often considered to be a minor kid problem, especially when compared to other diseases such as cancer or diabetes, but, in its own way, acne can have catastrophic emotional and psychological ramifications that are just as severe as with any other disease. Whats interesting is that the severity of the acne doesn't seem to have any connection with resulting depression and anxiety. People with even mild cases can have severe side effects.
People with acne need to develop a support system of friends and family to help them get past feelings of hopelessness and isolation commonly experienced by acne sufferers. There are also many acne support groups you can join which will help you immensely. You can look online to find a group near you. Even if youd rather stay home and hide your acne, dont give in to these feelings. The best remedy for the psychological effects of acne is to get out and spend time with people who will strengthen your sense of self worth.
