HOW DOES ACNE AFFECT US

Acne is a common skin disorder that can impact greatly for some people; it can be either a psychology or a social impact. Many people know that things such as poor hygiene, hormones, diet and family history causes acne. But not many know how personality and emotional traits affect acne, its impact and also its treatment.

An example would be trait anger. Patients should include attention to anger and other emotional states in their acne care. Acne is the most common skin disease which affects about 85% of people at some points of their lives. Those affected by acne are usually adolescents and young adults, however some can experience acne in later adult life. Patients with acne often get depressed and suffer low self-esteem.

Biopsychosocial models in dermatology looks at multifactorial nature of skin disease by examining environmental, interpersonal, psychological and biological factors in determining the disease severity and the impact of the condition on functioning and life quality. One important variable is personality. Clinical observations are made and found out that negative emotions such as anger can disturb the regulation of immune and endocrine function and can slow wound healing.

A study was also carried out, showing that a patient with severe acne had higher trait anger score than a patient with less severe acne. A better understanding of how stable emotional factors relate to skin diseases would be helpful in finding out the underlying mechanisms as well as identifying which patients require special attention. Individuals who frequently experience anger had poorer functional outcomes than individuals who seldom experience anger. Clinicians are encouraged to pay special attention to their patient’s negative emotions in order to validate their experiences and open opportunities for joint problem solving.

Thus, a convenient acronym(I VOTE) has been developed to guide the clinicians. Firstly, Inquire about how acne affects the patient’s life. Secondly, Validate their experience by acknowledging the importance of these impacts of acne on them. Thirdly, Offer to discuss ideas to reduce the negative impacts and finding additional resources to help further. Fourthly, Tell the patients that you are committed to help them with symptom management as well as the negative impacts caused by acne on them. Lastly, Evaluate the patient’s quality of life when monitoring the other outcomes such as severity, adherence and satisfaction with treatment.

In conclusion, acne care should include other factors such as personality and emotions. It affects a person’s quality of life, satisfaction and also one’s adherence to acne care.