The Emotional and Social Effects of Acne

Many people who are past their teens or early twenties have had to deal with acne. Its physical effects can range from mild and short-lived to severe and lifelong. But the physical effects are just the tip of the iceberg. Because acne affects the way we look, and does it at a time when we're just starting to define who we are - especially in relation to others - its emotional effects can be devastating.

If you're past your twenties and had only a mild case, you may find it hard to believe that acne could be so damaging to the psyche. And actually that's one of the problems: lack of or misunderstanding on the part of the people who should be supporting the acne sufferer. As a result, it can be hard to take seriously a "disease that everyone gets - and gets over, sooner or later."

The trouble is, not everyone "gets over" acne. Even if the disease is not severe enough to produce physical scarring, there may be emotional scars that can take a lifetime to heal.

It may not seem so bad at first. The young person may look in the mirror one day and notice a pimple. "Oh well," they think, "no big deal. My friends have more than this." But the next day there's another one, and the next day another, and the disease progresses until one day that same young man or woman is afraid to even look in the mirror. They start trying to cover up their acne with different clothes or makeup that may make it worse, or they start avoiding situations where they'll be noticed. Unfortunately, some of those situations are ones where they'd be meeting new friends, maybe starting a relationship, and in general discovering who they are.

They start to think of themselves as ugly, as unworthy of attention. Or maybe they don't want to call attention to themselves at all, thinking that when people look at them all they'll see is the acne. They start to hide, sometimes literally - going out less and staying home more. Their social skills don't develop. They become shy, not knowing how to talk to people. And when you can't express yourself - when you can't communicate - it's hard to form or keep relationships with anyone.

If the acne sufferer tries different forms of treatment that don't work, or don't work quickly enough, they may become frustrated and angry, asking "Why did this happen to me? Why can't I get rid of it?" They might direct that anger at themselves, or they might lash out at others, pushing away people who are trying to be understanding or supportive.

These might all seem like nothing more than "teenage angst." But if you look at it from a different perspective - one that excludes the age factor - a pattern starts to develop. Think of the symptoms - annoyance, anger, embarrassment, loss of control, withdrawal, decreased self-esteem and self-confidence. If left untreated, they could - and have - led to serious depression.

There are many options for treating acne, ranging from physician-prescribed treatments to natural remedies. The general feeling among health care providers is that acne can now be very effectively managed. But it's important to remember that this physical condition can have serious emotional and psychological side effects which also need to be considered. Clearing up pimples and blackheads is only half the job.

If someone you care about has acne, make sure they get whatever emotional support they need along with the physical treatment. If you have acne yourself, remember: this does not make you a bad person. Talk to your friends, talk to your parents, join an online support group if you like. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Stay in the game - and eventually you will win it.