The quality of life in acne: a comparison with general medical conditions using generic questionnaires

Abstract

Skin diseases such as acne are sometimes thought of as unimportant, even trivial, when compared with diseases of other organ systems. To address this point directly, validated generic questionnaires were used to assess morbidity in acne patients and compare it with morbidity in patients with other chronic diseases. For 111 acne patients referred to a dermatologist, quality of life was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index, Rosenberg's measure of self-esteem, a version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Clinical severity was measured using the Leeds Acne Grade. Population quality of life data for the SF-36 instrument were available from a random sample of adult local residents (n = 9334) some of whom reported a variety of long-standing disabling diseases. All quality of life instruments showed substantial deficits for acne patients that correlated with each other but not with clinically assessed acne severity. The acne patients (a relatively severely affected group) reported levels of social, psychological and emotional problems that were as great as those reported by patients with chronic disabling asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, back pain or arthritis. Acne is not a trivial disease in comparison with other chronic conditions. This should be recognized in the allocation of health care resources.

Acne vulgaris in Nigerian adolescents – prevalence, severity, beliefs, perceptions, and practices

“…Quality of life studies conducted in many countries using validated instruments, such as the Acne Disability Index (or variation thereof), have detected varying degrees of impairment in acne, ranging from little or no effect 26 to substantial morbidity. 10,11 The psychosocial impact of acne may thus be heavily influenced by cultural or other factors. Psychologic abnormalities and social dysfunction in skin disease need to be formally studied in Nigeria using validated, culture-sensitive instruments, as has been performed in other countries.…”

“…Acne is not a trivial disease -the physical, social, and psychologic morbidity associated with the disease can be profound, and the quality of life in sufferers can be severely impaired. 10,11 A knowledge of patients' beliefs, perceptions, and practices with regard to their acne, which is also poor in Africa, is necessary in planning educational programs about the condition and creating awareness about the availability of effective treatments and, therefore, prevention of unnecessary suffering. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and severity of acne vulgaris in students in a selected secondary school in Kaduna, Nigeria, and to determine their beliefs, perception, and practices in relation to their condition.…”

Patients Seen at the Dermatology Ambulatory Office in a Tertiary Care Center in Qassim Region , Saudi Arabia

“…(11) Psychologic and emotional stress may accompany this skin condition. (12) Pityriasis rosea was the leading cause of dermatological consultation for papulosquamous diseases, seen in 1.4% of the total cases examined (16 cases). This finding is similar to the finding of Symvoulakis et al who reported pityriasis rosea in 1.8% of their study cases.…”

Anxiety State and ITS Psychosocial Consequences among Acne Vulgaris and Chronic Urticaria Patients in Abuja

“…This is because the skin compliments human characters and conduct to defining personality of the individual and perceived threats or irritation which opens them up to worries, anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation (Koo, 1995;Mallon, et al, 1999;Ukonu & Ezechukwu, 2012).…”

“…Acne vulgaris has a demonstrable association with depression and anxiety. It affects personality, emotions, self-image and esteem, feeling of social isolation and ability to form relationships (Lasek & Chren, 1998;Mallon et al, 1999). Acne vulgaris is characterized by non-inflammatory, open or closed comedones and by inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules.…”