Acne scarring carries a significant psychological burden on patients, with a profound impact on their quality of life

There's no shortage of studies delving into the far-reaching impact that acne scarring has on patients of all ages.

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Acne scarring leads to permanent skin changes, resulting in atrophic (depressed) and hypertrophic (raised) scars. These physical alterations contribute significantly to feelings of embarrassment and a negative self-image. Emotionally, individuals with acne scars often experience heightened anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. They also report diminished self-esteem and a negative body image, affecting their overall quality of life. This is particularly acute among adolescents, who may be more sensitive to appearance-related issues.¹

QUALITY OF LIFE (QOL) AND SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL

Studies emphasise that the severity and location of acne lesions are critical factors impacting individuals' quality of life. Those with both facial and truncal acne report a greater impairment in health-related quality of life compared to facial acne alone. This is especially true regarding self-esteem, where visible scars can lead to social avoidance and reluctance to engage in activities like sports or swimming. The psychological distress extends beyond physical appearances, affecting emotional health and social interactions.^{1, 2}

INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

In today's digital age, social media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of acne. With the increasing influence of the internet and social media, patients are turning to online platforms for health-related information.³ A study focusing on French women highlighted the profound influence social media has on self-image and dating. Over 90% of women in the study believed that acne affected their profile pictures on social media, impacting their likes and matches on dating apps. The prevalent use of filters further signifies the attempt to conform to idealised beauty standards.⁴

BROADER PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT

Kluger et al outlined how acne affects social media behaviour and dating app profiles. The embarrassment associated with acne can lead to avoidance in sharing unfiltered images online, leading individuals to use filters frequently. This need for validation through online interactions exacerbates insecurities and can reinforce feelings of isolation and jealousy toward those with clear skin.⁴

Acne scarring is not just a dermatological issue but also a significant psychological one. Its impact on self-perception, quality of life, and social behaviour underscores the need for effective management strategies that address both physical and psychological aspects. Support systems promoting self-acceptance and awareness programmes can aid in mitigating the psychosocial consequences, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of those affected.

REFERENCES 

1. Woo YR, Kim HS. Truncal Acne: An Overview. J Clin Med. 2022 Jun 24;11(13):3660. doi: 10.3390/jcm11133660. PMID: 35806952; PMCID: PMC9267677. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9267677/. 
2. Tan J, Beissert S, Cook-Bolden F, Chavda R, Harper J, Hebert A, Lain E, Layton A, Rocha M, Weiss J, Dréno B. Impact of facial and truncal acne on quality of life: A multi-country population-based survey. JAAD Int. 2021 Apr 27;3:102-110. doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2021.03.002. PMID: 34409378; PMCID: PMC8362284. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8362284/. 
3. Ertekin SS, Salici NS, Manav Bas V, Karali MG, Ergün EZ, Avcı EB, Tellal ES, Yüksel EI, Rasulova G, Erdil D. Influence of Social Media and Internet on Treatment Decisions in Adult Female Acne Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2024 Jul 1;14(3):e2024156. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1403a156. PMID: 39122512; PMCID: PMC11314130. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11314130/. 
4. Kluger N, Taib C, Bedran J, Payraud L, Beusillon C, Sammain A, Gallinger J, Comte C. Impact of acne on women's social media and dating apps photo activity. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 28 March 2024. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.19983.