Adolescent Acne: Scars That Are More Than Just Skin Deep

Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts – these culprits wreak havoc on young skin that may lead to facial scarring.

Acne vulgaris, or acne as it is generally referred to, is a skin disease that stems from a dysfunction of the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. Acne can occur on the face, neck, back and sometimes shoulders and typically causes acne scars.

Puberty is a catalyst that propels the sebaceous (oil) glands to overproduce oil in both males and females, and in some individuals more than others. Other triggers include stress, menstrual cycle, hot/humid climates, and oil-based makeups.

Acne is a problem that goes deeper than the outer layers of the dermis that it affects… it has significant emotional and psychological ramifications.

Adolescence is already a challenging time for most teenagers and having acne scars that cannot be hidden oftentimes add to an adolescent’s feelings of insecurity and poor self-esteem.

Studies show that acne has been connected to teenage depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and lack of self-confidence.

Research shows that between 30% - 50% of all teenagers experience psychological difficulties due to their acne or acne scars. This, in turn, affects their socialization, body image, and sexuality.

And it doesn’t end there…

One study surveyed 3,755 teenagers between the ages of 18 to19 years of age in Norway.  13.5% of the teens reported having substantial acne. Of clinical significance is that suicidal thoughts were reported in 10.9% of those interviewed.

Several articles have been written about the psychological impact of acne. The studies concluded that scarring of one’s complexion can be associated with anxiety, depression, embarrassment, social withdrawal, low self-confidence, and even unemployment.

The sad irony is that as anxiety increases, so do acne outbursts, causing a cycle of physical and emotional stress that seems never-ending.

Many of these stressors leave emotional and physical scars on patients.

With recent advances in acne scar procedures and at-home scar treatment systems, the physical scarring that acne causes has diminished which has led to significant improvements in the long-term mental scars often attributed to acne. 

Acne is more than just a problem that is skin-deep.

The numerous studies and articles that illustrate this point reveal the importance of screening and treatment for patients that suffer from this skin disease.

[Editor's Note: Teens and adults can suffer from acne scars. If you have acne scars and are looking for acne treatment there are several over-the-counter acne scare treatment systems that can help fade your acne scars and help you look and feel more confident.]

 

Sources:
PediatricsConsultant360 
MedicalNewsToday