Recovering From Acne – Acne Expert
- Acne makes it easy for peers to label a patient as different or unattractive. The Importance of Physical Appearance
- Numerous studies have documented the impact that physical appearance has on how well or badly a person is perceived by peers and/or potential employers.
- Beauty is tremendously valued in our culture.
- People who are not considered to be physically attractive are often shunned. Fear of Acne
- Although most people know that acne is not contagious, they are often reluctant to touch someone who has the disease.
- Acne affects the face, which is an intimate part of the anatomy.
- Patients with acne may not feel kissable or lovable.
- Overreaction to acne by friends and family members may make acne patients self-conscious. Clues to Low Self-esteem
- Teenaged patients with acne who are feeling bad about themselves make remarks such as, “It’s gross,” “I look awful,” or “It’s a bummer.”
- Adults may say, “I’m concerned about my face, “”I don’t like the way I look,” “I don’t like my appearance, “”I don’t feel good about myself.”
- Patients who avoid eye contact or try to hide their faces are probably experiencing lowered self-esteem.
- Young girls may try to use heavy makeup to camouflage their acne, which may worsen their skin condition.
- Patients of any age may feel bad about themselves when they have acne. Acne Interferes With Daily Activities.
- Some children may have trouble playing sports because the chinstraps or brims on headgear might make their lesions bleed.
- A severe case of acne might cause a patient to stick to his or her pillow when the lesions ooze at night.
- Acne may make it more difficult for a teenager to have dates or interact with the opposite sex.
Treating the Disease Treats the Depression
- Unlike other skin diseases, which may not be treatable, acne can usually be improved or resolved with a wide range of medications.
- Investigative researchers have pinpointed the main etiologic factors in acne, which can be addressed by different types of therapies.
- Dr Drake always encourages her acne patients to remain active, rather than hiding out until their acne clears.
- Patients whose acne improves dramatically usually also experience dramatically improved self-esteem.
- As their skin improves, self-care improves, eye contact improves, and participation in social activities improves.
- Even kids who seemed to be okay about their acne often experience relief and happiness once their skin clears.
When a Psychological Consultation Is Helpful
- Dr Drake recommends consulting with a psychology professional in the rare cases when a depressed patient’s acne does not improve with treatment.
- There are times when a patient is so depressed about acne that he or she might need to be treated for depression simultaneously with acne therapy.
Reaching Out to the Community
- There are still many teenagers and adults who are not receiving adequate treatment for their acne.
- Although over-the-counter medications can sometimes be helpful and effective for very mild cases, a dermatological consultation would be beneficial for most acne patients.
- Dermatologists must increase their educational efforts to reach a wider group of potential patients.
- The American Academy of Dermatology has a wide variety of pamphlets and bulletins available to the public on the causes and treatment of acne.
- Dr Drake hopes more dermatologists will set up educational programs for schools to educate kids about skin diseases.
