Emotional side effects of acne
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For some sufferers, acne leads to significant mental health issues. Acne can cause isolation, low self-confidence, and anxiety over scarring. The Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada has designated this week to raise awareness of its impact.
Dermatologist Ben Barankin, wants people to know that the effects of acne are more than skin deep.
“Acne is more than just a skin disease. That it can scar people physically but also emotionally, the fact that people can be not just embarrassed but in fact, even depressed, anxious and rarely, even suicidal.”
About 10% of patients are diagnosed with depression as a result of their acne, others experience severe social anxiety.
When Megan Pugliese’s acne erupted in grade 5, she became isolated from her peers. “It was frustrating, because you feel really alone because no one else was going through it.” Her nervousness and embarrassment turned into anxiety that made it difficult to socialize. With pimples on her arms, she was preoccupied with covering up.
“Grade 12 prom, I wore a scarf as a shawl and I have pictures. It was middle of June, hot as June is and trying to keep my arms covered so that nobody would see it.”
Barankin has seen a whole range of emotional consequences in his practice. “I had a patient with acne who missed a whole year of school. The acne was severe. They were thoroughly embarrassed, people were making fun of them. and they didn’t want to return to school until their acne was cleared up and thankfully we got him there.”
For acne awareness week, they want to eliminate the stigma that comes with it. To remind people, acne isn’t caused by poor hygiene or greasy foods. and that, with time and treatment, it will improve.
