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Acne - Psychological Effects

Acne is more than just an annoying cosmetic issue for some of its sufferers. For many who struggle to control it, it can result in serious psychological and emotional impact as well. Some with acne are so self-conscious and embarrassed by it, that they are driven to become recluses.

Some people with body acne feel compelled to wear concealing clothing all the time. Even when the weather is very hot, or when a bathing suit is called for, they hide their outbreaks and embarrassment under stifling clothing.

And its effect can be more than just cosmetic or appearance-related. Some acne outbreaks can cause intense pain and others can result in serious scarring or infections.

Because most who have to deal with acne are teens, and these tend to be the most psychologically vulnerable years, the potential for serious emotional and psychological effects are greater than they would be in adults. Acne can trigger such symptomatic responses as depression, thoughts of suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, behavioral issues and failing grades. The simultaneous occurrence of acne and the greater propensity for emotional problems that teens can have can be more than some teens are equipped to deal with.

It's important for those who are having difficulty related to their outbreaks to understand that there's nothing unusual about either having acne or having problems of adjustment related to it. And just as important is some kind of regimen to treat and prevent acne and future outbreaks. While it may take a little longer than most of us want to clear up and limit our acne; today's medications and dermatologists can almost always bring acne problems under control.

Of course, it would be a lot easier on acne sufferers if others were more sympathetic to the difficulties of their experience. Just because it's not something we die from, doesn't mean if can't cause significant suffering. And while there will probably always be those callous individuals who will tease or make fun of someone with acne, educating young people about the difficulty of dealing with acne could make a difference in the quality of life for those other teens who are coping with it.

Understanding the difficulty that others may be having with something that we are not faced with can contribute to making our world a better place. Feelings are real things and the impact of having bad ones is every bit as real as physical pain. And it's also important for those of us suffering with acne to remember that we're probably a lot more conscious of our pimples than others are. Like most people, we are more concerned with our own looks than with the looks of others; and others are mostly concerned with theirs. So there is probably little reason for excess consternation and anxiety over something as commonplace as acne.

Profound psychological and emotional effects from acne are not a problem for the vast majority of people who have it. But for those people who, for one reason or another, do experience these problems, they should to be addressed and taken as seriously as any other psychological or emotional problem. If not, there is the potential for long-term or even permanent damage that can affect the rest of a person's life. For parents with children who have acne and who seem to be having difficulty in other areas of their lives, professional help for both the acne and the tangential effects may be required to make your child better.

Stephanie McIntyre and Wendell Bryant are Internet developers. Visit their site at http://www.acnesolutionsuniverse.com

posted by powqplvtf @ 4:39 PM