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Acne Awareness Week in Canada focuses on emotional impact of acne on teens
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The Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada has designated Sept. 19-25 as Acne Awareness Week to help raise awareness of the emotional impact of acne on teenagers.
“Acne is typically dismissed as a cosmetic issue but it is often felt far deeper because it affects appearance and happens during a time of change – physical, emotional and social,” Shannon Humphrey, MD, a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, stated in a press release. “The emotional impact of acne – from lower self-esteem to anger, embarrassment, social anxiety and depression – can be far worse than the physical impact and can seriously affect lives.”
Depression is two to three more prevalent in patients with acne than the general public. In one study of teens with acne, 58% reported feeling lonely and 56% reported feeling anxious, which was comparable to those with diabetes, cancer and epilepsy, according to the release.
Teasing, bullying an eating disorders have been associated with acne as a teen, and the longer the acne is present, the psychological harm to personal and social life can be greater, the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada reported.
The national, not-for-profit organization also has created three cartoons featuring teens and common acne myths, which can be insensitive.
Some teenagers with acne will grow their hair to cover their fact, avoid eye contact, wear heavy makeup to cover spots, avoid sports like swimming and miss school, Humphrey reported.
“Recognizing the emotional impact of acne and offering support and help to sufferers can limit psycho-social harm,” Humphrey stated. “There are safe and effective over-the-counter or prescription treatments. Studies have shown outlook improves as acne improves. And who wouldn’t want a happier teen in their home?”
Reference: www.AcneAction.ca