36. The Psychosocial Impact of Acne
Acne has been the cause of anguish since time immemorial, especially so when it comes on the heels of adolescence. Teenagers suffer from low self-confidence, have a poor image of their bodies and can even sink into severe depression.
However, they should not, and do not have to suffer any more. Stress-busting techniques such as yoga, meditation, psychotherapy and counseling along with family support where available, can ensure that the patient will build up his or her self-worth and optimism.
Here are some of the most common effects of acne on the psychological and social levels of a patient’s life –
1 Reduced self-esteem
2 Low self-confidence
3 Social withdrawal
4 Embarrassment about self and body
5 Anger and frustration at one’s condition
6 Severe depression
7 Loss of interest in job, social life and marital life
8 Dysmorphophobia (focusing on imagined body flaws): Patients suffering from mild acne have a distorted image of their bodies in this condition. They feel they have Copyright © 2006 All rights reserved
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severe acne and, as a result, suffer from the symptoms mentioned above. If this is the only noticeable abnormal behavior, the patient will respond well to a low-dose therapy of isotretinoin, where otherwise suitable.
These symptoms do not always occur singly, but are often interrelated. Without treatment, they go on increasing in severity and can eventually prove to be crippling. Patients need to remember that acne, in most cases, is just a phase in their lives that it will eventually pass. Modern day treatment therapies can help them a lot. Patients should not be scared to approach their dermatologists and psychiatrists at the very first symptom. Doctors can help them get back their zest for life in a short time.
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37. Myths and Misinformation about Acne
There are many myths regarding acne. Knowledge is the cure.
Myth: Acne occurs due to insufficient washing of the face.
Fact: Acne occurs due to dirt and bacteria but you can keep your face sufficiently clean by gently washing it twice a day. Excessive washing removes too much oil from your face. This stimulates oil secretion by your sebaceous glands which may cause more acne.
Myth: Avoid Oily Food, Chocolate or Caffeine
Fact: Although there is no medical proof for specific diets and acne, certain foods seem to encourage acne in certain people. Hence, you need to note if you suffer from any specific allergies or are sensitive to specific kinds of food. Some people are sensitive to iodized foods while others are sensitive to protein-rich foods.
Myth: Acne vanishes if you leave it untreated
Fact: The early treatment of acne prevents further spreading. Successful early treatment removes most chances of scarring. Sometimes (rarely), acne will vanish when left untreated, unwashed and ill-fed. Go figure!
Myth: Intake of lots of water clears acne
Fact: Sufficient water intake keeps you healthy and is a minor constituent of acne cure. Just drinking huge quantities of water cannot cure your acne.
Myth: Higher than recommended medicinal dosages results in better and faster acne cure Fact: Medicines in larger dosages do not offer extra cure or relief from acne. Taking medicines, etc in more than prescribed dosages is dangerous.
Myth: Basking in Sunshine cures acne
Fact: Sunbathing for short intervals dries up excess oils but it does not work as a long-term relief from acne. Rather, excessive exposure to the sun is harmful and increases acne due to severe Copyright © 2006 All rights reserved
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drying of the skin.
Myth: Acne affects only teenagers
Fact: Acne is a common occurrence among teenagers. However, many adults in their forties also face acne outbreaks. For some, acne problems are present throughout their lives.
Myth: Picking acne cures it
Fact: Picking at acne spreads bacteria and causes more acne. Besides, such picking can leave behind permanent scars.
Myth: Excess sex causes acne.
Fact: Although sex releases hormones, there is no medical proof connecting sex and sebum production, which is the main cause for acne.
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38. When to Seek Professional Help
Acne, as was mentioned earlier, is one of the most common dermatological disorders in the world. Almost 85% of teenagers experience it in some form or other during their adolescent years. Usually, acne clears up after four to five years without any medication. Adults who suffer from the condition may not need to consult a physician, if their acne is mild as it might clear up on its own. However, many people experience extremely severe outbreaks of acne, which do not clear up at all, or leave behind scars and lesions if it does subside. Men, especially, are prone to getting severe acne. In such cases, it is essential to seek the help of a qualified professional; either a physician or a dermatologist.
How do you know if your acne is severe? Well, it is simple, really. If there are more than ten blemishes on any particular area of your body, your acne is categorized as severe. Consult a health professional immediately if you find that you have severe acne.
You should also call a doctor if you experience any of the following -
1 Pimples become larger and get filled with fluid.
2 Acne lesions become painful.
3 After your pimples heal, you notice scars (in the form of pits) along with lesions.
4 Over-the-counter medications do not help reduce the symptoms.
5 The acne gets worse, despite medication.
6 You notice acne-like symptoms as a side effect of taking a new drug.
7 You start getting irregular periods, muscle pain, fever, increased hair growth or there’s an Copyright © 2006 All rights reserved
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abrupt worsening of your acne. These symptoms may indicate serious skin infection.
8 Dark patches start appearing on the skin and you have a dark complexion.
9 Pimples, pustules and papules appear on exposure to harmful chemicals or oils.
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39. Tips for Clear, Beautiful Skin
Clear and beautiful skin is not a mirage; you can develop such skin by following a regular skin/health-care regimen. Your skin is a reflection of your inner self and displays physical, emotional, and genetic attributes.
Ten tips for clear, beautiful skin are -
1. Proper Exfoliation: Dead skin cells clog skin pores, which later turn into ugly blackheads.
This prevents the natural excretion of dirt and oil and encourages acne and pimples. Regular exfoliation (the removal of dead skin cells) is the first step to clear skin.
2. Keep hair away from your face: Hair contains oil, and brushing your hair against your face increases and spreads oiliness.
3. Keep hairspray and gels off your face: These contain chemicals which are harsh on your tender facial skin. Such chemicals bruise, rupture, and cause skin scars. These lead to the formation and growth of bacteria causing acne and pimples.
4. Do not touch your face with your hands: Your hands contain invisible dirt, oil, and bacteria.
When you touch your face with them, it encourages acne and spreads it too.
5. Gently wash your face regularly two or three times a day: Use a good cleanser to wash your face and do not change cleansers too often.
6. Use moisturizer after washing your face: Use an oil-free moisturizer after washing your face to keep your skin’s pores clean. Similarly, water-based make-up helps your skin breathe more easily.
7. Avoid picking at acne and pimples: It is most tempting to pop pimples, but this spreads the bacteria.
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8. Eat Proper food: Fried and oily foods contain higher percentages of oil. This increases oil secretion in your body, which accelerates acne breakouts. Exclude sugary and fatty foods; instead, stick to light meals of vegetables and fruits with some cereals, proteins, and lots of water.
9. Stop changing face creams and lotions too frequently: Follow your skin care regimen diligently and do not change creams, liquids, and lotions often. You should test the suitability of different face creams, finding one that suits you.
10. Stress: Relax when it is appropriate, and get enough exercise. Your body reacts negatively to high levels of stress, and it is often the health of your skin which reflects the stress you are under.
And of course, an acne outbreak only tends to add more stress to your life.
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