Adolescent’s acne: Scarring inside out!

Background

Acne vulgaris is a common disturbing disease that affects the majority of adolescents, but its impact on mental health in this age group is poorly understood.

Objectives

(1) To raise the awareness of psychological impact of acne on adolescents. (2) Identify high risk patients and provide appropriate intervention to avoid long term consequences.

Methods

A literature review was based on Medline search, PsychINFO, EMBASE and CINHAL using the terms acne vulgaris in combination with adolescents, self-esteem, psychology, psychiatry, suicide, anxiety and depression. Cross sectional and cohort studies of the last 10 years (2000–2010) were selected to be analyzed and discussed in this review.

Results

We identified 7 cross sectional studies and 1 cohort study (6918 patients). Overall reviewing of these articles showed that adolescents with acne suffer from more depressive symptoms, lower self esteem and lower quality of life when compared to adolescents without acne. Severity of acne was not related to these morbidities.

Conclusion

How acne affects an adolescent’s wellbeing is underappreciated. Increased understanding of the psychiatric comorbidities associated with acne and identifying the high-risk patients and intervening early will ultimately improve the patient’s life.