What is the Social and Emotional Impact of Acne?

Acne is not a serious threat to physical health, but it can be a traumatizing condition for many people. Whether it's a job interview, first date, special presentation or just an ordinary day at school or the office, a badly timed acne breakout can rob you of your self-confidence and make any social interaction stressful and embarrassing.

For many people, regardless of where acne appears, acne is as much about how they feel as how they look. Across races and regardless of gender or age, people with acne have reported feeling ugly, angry, dirty and depressed.

Acne can have a significant social and emotional impact

It's no wonder that recent studies have shown acne can have a significant impact on a person's outlook, attitudes and social interactions. This invisible side of acne may express itself in any combination of the following:

• Social withdrawal
• Decreased self-esteem
• Reduced self-confidence
• Poor body image
• Embarrassment
• Feelings of depression
• Anger
• Frustration
• Higher rate of unemployment

Naturally, those who suffer these effects can be greatly discouraged. They shrink from pursuing life's opportunities, be they social, work or school related.

Dramatic change for the better

We know more today about the treatment of acne than ever before. There is a wide range of both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription acne medicines currently available. Today, there is truly no need to suffer the physical, social and emotional distress that acne can create.