Quality of life, self-esteem and psychosocial factors in adolescents with acne vulgaris

Abstract

BackgroundDermatological diseases, among which acne vulgaris, have psychological impact on the affected generating feelings of guilt, shame and social isolation.ObjectivesTo compare quality of life, self-esteem and other psychosocial variables amongst adolescents with and without acne vulgaris, and between levels of severity.MethodsCross-sectional observational study in a sample of 355 high school students from the city of João Pessoa. Data collection was performed with questionnaires and clinical-dermatological evaluation. The primary variables were the incidence of AV; quality of life, set by the Children's Dermatology Quality of Life Index and Dermatology Quality of Life Index; and self-esteem, measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. For calculation of statistical tests, we used the SPSS 20.0 software, considering p=0.05.ResultsThe sample, with an average age of 16, showed 89.3% prevalence of acne vulgaris. The most prevalent psychosocial issue was "afraid that acne will never cease", present in 58% of affected youth. The median score of Quality of Life in Children's Dermatology Index was different amongst students with and without acne vulgaris (p=0.003), as well as the Quality of Life in Dermatology (p=0.038) scores, so that students with acne vulgaris have worse QoL. There was a correlation between the severity of acne vulgaris and worse quality of life. Self-esteem was not significantly associated with the occurrence or severity of acne vulgaris.Conclusionsacne vulgaris assumes significance in view of its high prevalence and the effect on quality of life of adolescents, more severe at the more pronounced stages of disease (p<0.001). The psychosocial impact of acne vulgaris should be valued in the management of patients with this condition.

Serum levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in patients with acne vulgaris

“…Since humans' looks, as well as social and sexual relationships, are dependent on a large scale upon their skin condition, skin disorders negatively endure their quality of life and image acceptance as well. Based on available statistics, acne vulgaris is a quite common skin disease, affecting around 80% of individuals aging between 12 and 18 years . It could precipitate physical and emotional scars that persist throughout life.…”

“…Based on available statistics, acne vulgaris is a quite common skin disease, affecting around 80% of individuals aging between 12 and 18 years. 12 It could precipitate physical and emotional scars that persist throughout life. Both early published data on acne-induced psychological disorders and many recent studies have proven the association between acne and the emotional and functional status of the patient.…”

Quality of Life in Patients with Mild or Moderate Acne Vulgaris

“…Acne vulgaris is a dermatological genetic-hormonal, chronic inflammatory illness, self-limited, in pilosebaceous locations, with formation of comedones, papules and cysts in which evolution to a greater inflammatory process is added, leading to formation of pustules and abscesses, with frequent cicatricial success, causing great psychological impact in patients affected by this disease [1]. The most severe forms of acne vulgaris occur more frequently in males, but the disease tends to be more persistent in females [2].…”

“…The most severe forms of acne vulgaris occur more frequently in males, but the disease tends to be more persistent in females [2]. Acne vulgaris lesions predominate especially on face and thorax, which leads to feelings of guilt, shame and social isolation [1,3]. Acne vulgaris isn't a life-threatening disease; however, it may cause anxiety, depression, anger, suicidal thoughts and body dysmorphic disorder [4].…”

“…Acne vulgaris isn't a life-threatening disease; however, it may cause anxiety, depression, anger, suicidal thoughts and body dysmorphic disorder [4]. The levels of social, psychological and emotional impairments in acne is comparable with chronic diseases such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and arthritis [1,2]. There are several acne-specific health related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments, for example, including the assessment of the psychological and social effects of acne (APSEA), the acne disability index (ADI), the Cardiff acne disability index (CADI) and acne quality of life scale (AQOLS) [2][3][4][5].…”