Acne from the young patient's perspective

Abstract

Acne may significantly impact quality of life, self-esteem and self-worth. The aim of this paper was to provide an overview of the knowledge and perception of acne and its risk factors in adolescents and young adults. The most critical issues reported for an optimal management of this specific population were identified. A PubMed literature review of results from patient-oriented surveys published between 2007 and 2018 was conducted. Two different types of survey were used: those using either validated questionnaires or specifically developed questionnaires. No consistency or directly comparable data with regards to age, onset, duration, severity and treatment of acne and by whom and where data were collected were observed. Acne affected female patients psychologically more than male patients. The majority referred to their treating physician in order to obtain information, and all surveys pointed out that specific treatment programs would allow to increase awareness about acne. Beliefs, traditions and economic factors continue to impact the perception of and treatment choices for acne in almost all countries and cultures, maintaining the improvement of awareness about acne a major global health challenge. In conclusion, identifying, considering and managing the patient's concerns about acne may improve the young patient's well-being and thus decrease additional healthcare expenses for emerging psychological comorbidities. This can be achieved by creating substantial and structured awareness through local and global information campaigns via the treating physicians, Internet, social networks and education.

Patient Perceptions About Acne, Nutrition, and a Dietary Information Gap

“…The severity of the disease may be influenced by certain external aspects like psychological and lifestyle factors, occupational factors, medication, pollutants, climatic factors, and nutrition (Dréno et al, 2018;Eichenfield et al, 2021). Although acne is very often considered only an aesthetic problem, it is a serious disease that potentially generates not just low selfesteem, poor perception of one's body, social withdrawal, and relevant impairments of quality of life (de Vries et al, 2022), but also psychiatric comorbidities as depression, and social anxiety disorders (Claudel et al, 2020;Eichenfield et al, 2021).…”

Acne from the adolescent patient’s beliefs and misconceptions

“…Environmental exposures play a significant role in the exogenous causes of acne, which can result in a variety of environmental factors-induced acne, such as chloracne caused by dioxins, coal tar acne, cigarette smoking, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation [8]. Four main factors cause acne: 1) abnormal hyperkeratinization of the pilosebaceous duct with comedo formation caused by increased androgens; 2) an increase in sebum production from the enlarged sebaceous gland caused by increased androgens; 3) colonization and proliferation of the duct with bacteria, most commonly P. acnes; and 4) an inflammatory response caused by the immunological activity of P. acnes [9].…”

The role of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy for the management of acne: A systematic review

“…Acne is a prominent issue for patients and dermatologists as one of the most common dermatologic conditions with a high impact on the quality of life. Diagnosis, severity staging and treatment monitoring rely primarily on clinical examination 1–5 …”

“…Diagnosis, severity staging and treatment monitoring rely primarily on clinical examination. [1][2][3][4][5] Although this approach has led to progress in treating and alleviating patient suffering, there are still opportunities to improve acne management in the context of ever-increasing patient demand. As a complex condition, aspects regarding minimal criteria for acne diagnosis are lacking.…”