Facial acne causes stigmatization among adolescents: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Background Stigmatization is defined as a discrediting mark which sets the person from others and hindering interpersonal relationships. Literature data on stigma in acne subjects are scarce. Aims This study was undertaken to assess feelings of stigmatization in adolescents with facial acne. Material/Methods The study was performed on 730 high‐school students aged 15 to 19 years with the mean age of 17.05 ± 1.18 years. Self‐reported acne was found in 74.9% of subjects. The severity of acne was self‐assessed with the standardized color images based on Investigators Global Assessment (IGA). Stigmatization was studied with 6‐Item Stigmatization Scale (6‐ISS) and Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire (PSQ). Additionally, quality of life (QoL) was evaluated with Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results 58% of adolescents with acne presented with feelings of stigmatization. Within the acne population, stigmatization was significantly more common in females than in males (p < 0.001). The mean level of stigmatization according to 6‐ISS was significantly higher in acne sufferers than in those free from acne (1.68 ± 2.42 points and 0.55 ± 1.50 points, respectively; p < 0.001). Feelings of stigmatization were significantly more pronounced by females than males (p < 0.001). Staring at the skin and the fact that others are not attracted to person due to skin lesions were main problems raised by the study participants with acne. 6‐ISS scores correlated with acne severity (r = 0.278; p < 0.001) and both 6‐ISS and PSQ scores with QoL impairment (r = 0.530; p < 0.001 and r = 0.341; p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Facial acne is a highly stigmatized skin disease and requires a holistic therapeutic approach.

Females May Have Less Severe Acne, but They Suffer More: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study on Psychosocial Consequences in 104 Consecutive Polish Acne Patients

“…Acne is regarded as one of the most common reasons for visiting the [ 25 ] doctor. The disease has a profound negative influence on patients’ well-being [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Therefore, the European Dermatology Forum S3-Guideline for the Treatment of Acne strongly recommends consideration of health-related QoL in acne patients as routine daily measurement as well as the assessment of treatment effectiveness [ 26 ].…”

“…Screening more than 700 students, we found stigmatization significantly more common in subjects with acne in comparison to non-acne subjects. Moreover, the level of stigmatization, assessed with 6-ISS as 1.68 ± 2.42, was significantly higher in students with acne [ 9 ]. It is worth mentioning that this study was population-based, and the vast majority of students (around 90%) presented with acne of minimal and mild severity [ 9 ].…”

“…Moreover, the level of stigmatization, assessed with 6-ISS as 1.68 ± 2.42, was significantly higher in students with acne [ 9 ]. It is worth mentioning that this study was population-based, and the vast majority of students (around 90%) presented with acne of minimal and mild severity [ 9 ]. In the current cohort of consecutive acne patients, the level of stigmatization was higher and assessed at 3.36 ± 2.79 points according to 6-ISS.…”

“…The most common location of acne is the face; however, the lesions frequently appear on the chest and upper back [ 1 ]. Although acne is not a life-treating condition, independently of its clinical severity, it heavily influences patients’ psychosocial status [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Acne patients have been demonstrated to have significantly lower quality of life (QoL) [ 9 , 10 ] and a higher level of stigmatization [ 9 , 11 ].…”

“…Although acne is not a life-treating condition, independently of its clinical severity, it heavily influences patients’ psychosocial status [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Acne patients have been demonstrated to have significantly lower quality of life (QoL) [ 9 , 10 ] and a higher level of stigmatization [ 9 , 11 ]. Moreover, a European project on dermatology outpatients carried out in 13 countries by the European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry (ESDaP) showed that acne patients are at increased risk for the development of depression and anxiety reactions.…”