Keywords

Acne, Adult, Psychological Impact, Quality of Life, Women

 

Authors

  1. Steventon, Katerina
  2. Cowdell, Fiona

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease and one of the most common dermatology conditions. The prevalence of adult acne is increasing, and "female acne" has become a distinct clinical entity. Facial acne is difficult to hide and can have a significant detrimental impact on people's quality of life. In Western societies that place high value on physical beauty, the visibility of this disorder has a greater negative impact on women's social and emotional functioning. The degree of psychosocial impairment correlates with patient's subjective assessment, not objective clinical severity of adult acne. The major emotional implications and its social consequences challenge the classical view of acne as something purely physiological or even trivial. Given the emphasis that health systems place on patient self-management, we recommend that clinicians explore emotional experiences and take patients' views into consideration to improve their clinical practice.