Psychosocial impact of acne and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation

Abstract

BackgroundAcne is one of the most common skin diseases. It has significant effect on self-image and negative impact on quality of life. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is an acquired hypermelanosis that occurs after a skin injury or cutaneous inflammation. It is common sequelae in acne patients.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the psychosocial impact of acne and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation among patients treated in a dermatology outpatient clinic at the University of Miami Hospital.MethodsThe study had the participation of 50 patients with acne and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. All participants volunteered to complete an anonymous questionnaire containing socio-demographical information, questions about patient's attitudes toward postinflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne, the Cardiff Acne Disability Index and the Dermatology Life Quality Index.ResultsPostinflammatory hyperpigmentation was more predominant in the face. Makeup was frequently used to conceal the imperfections and the majority of patients felt embarrassed due to their condition. Interestingly, the majority of our patients did not have their quality of life impacted for acne and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.Study limitationsA limitation of the study was the relatively small sample size. For this reason, the findings of the study should not be generalized to the broader community.ConclusionThe current medical literature has many studies analyzing the psychological impact of acne. This study is the first study in the literature that analyzed the psychosocial impact of acne and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne.

The impact of acne and facial post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on quality of life and self-esteem of newly admitted Nigerian undergraduates

“… 1 , 2 Acne is neither life-threatening nor physically debilitating but has been associated with increased psychosocial burdens; such as increased anxiety, anger, depression, and frustration. 3 – 6 The resulting psychosocial complications, in turn, have implications on vocational and academic performance, quality of life (QoL), and self-esteem. 3 – 6 Until recently, little research attention was given to the psychosocial and emotional impact of acne, despite enormous work done in profiling the science of its pathophysiology, risk factors and treatment.…”

“… 3 – 6 The resulting psychosocial complications, in turn, have implications on vocational and academic performance, quality of life (QoL), and self-esteem. 3 – 6 Until recently, little research attention was given to the psychosocial and emotional impact of acne, despite enormous work done in profiling the science of its pathophysiology, risk factors and treatment. 6 …”

“… 3 – 6 Until recently, little research attention was given to the psychosocial and emotional impact of acne, despite enormous work done in profiling the science of its pathophysiology, risk factors and treatment. 6 …”

“…Acne and its accompanying blemishes have been related to depressive symptoms, embarrassment, feeling of uselessness, poor self-attitude, and reduced pride, self-worth, and body satisfaction in adolescent late teenage years. 6 , 16 …”

Alopecia universalis treated with simvastatin/ezetimibe, minoxidil, and prednisolone in a 6‐year‐old girl

“…3 Several studies have shown a positive relationship between common skin conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, vitiligo, alopecia areata, and many other conditions and the patient's psychological state. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Studies have shown that immune, endocrine, and nervous systems both at the local and central levels play a major role in the causation of psychocutaneous disease. 15,16 Patients often visit dermatologists for a visible problem, however, because of stigma associated with mental illness, patients often confront the psychological contribution.…”