The Social and Psychological Impact of Acne Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study of Blood Donors

Abstract

Background Acne in adolescence and adulthood is believed to have a long-term impact on socioeconomic status (SES) and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) in adults. Objective To estimate the cross-sectional prevalence of medically treated (MedTreAc) and untreated acne (UnTreAc) and to characterize its long-term impact in adults. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional study on 17 428 blood donors aged 18-35 was performed. Associations among acne and HRQoL, depressive symptoms, total income, and SES were investigated via linear/logistic/multinomial logistic regression analyses adjusted for relevant covariables. HRQoL was measured by the Short Form-12, and depressive symptoms by the Major Depression Inventory. The data were self-reported. Results Of the participants, 3591 (20.6%) and 1354 (7.8%) identified as the MedTreAc and UnTreAc phenotype, respectively. Neither phenotype was associated with a long-term impact on total income, but the MedTreAc group was associated with being an apprentice/student (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.42; P = 1.3×10-4) or high skill-level employee (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07; 1.39, P = .0023), while self-employment was more common for those with UnTreAc (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.06, P = .0061). Additionally, the UnTreAc group was associated with a lower mental HRQoL (SF-12 mental component summary score −1.05, 95% CI: −1.56, −0.54; P = 1.4×10-9) and increased odds ratio of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.02, P = .046). Conclusion In this population of blood donors, the cumulative prevalence of MedTreAc and UnTreAc were 20.6% and 7.8%, respectively. Untreated acne had a long-term impact on psychosocial well-being in adulthood. It was associated with lower mental HRQoL and higher occurrence of depressive symptoms. Acne was not associated with a lower salary or SES.

Sulforaphene Attenuates Cutibacterium acnes-Induced Inflammation

“…These glands are connected to hair follicles and produce an oily substance called sebum. [ 14 ]. Under normal conditions, sebum rises along the hair follicle wall and is discharged through the skin, but when the hair follicle is blocked, sebum cannot be discharged and gets trapped around the hair follicle, and bacteria that cause inflammation grow, which leads to acne [ 11 ].…”

“…It is also known that an immune response to these bacteria contributes to acne inflammation [ 15 ]. Therefore, if C. acnes can be prevented from growing on the skin and the inflammation caused by it can be alleviated, the damage to the skin caused by acne can be reduced [ 14 ]. In this study, we found that SFEN exerts antibacterial activity against C. acnes and relieves related inflammation.…”

“…As a result, it sometimes leaves unpleasant scarring on the skin [ 13 ]. The condition is not only a cosmetic concern, it also causes various psychological problems [ 14 ]. Acne occurs for a variety of reasons.…”

Comparing the effects of isotretinoin 20 mg versus azithromycin 500 mg in the management of acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial

“…Acne is the most common skin disorder treated by dermatologists that affects approximately 95% of the population within different age groups, mostly adolescence 1 . Although individuals going through puberty are most likely to get affected with acne vulgaris (AV), a study has revealed that approximately 50.9% of population in between the age group of 20–29 years are affected from AV, hence making an acne a serious problem for the young adult population 2 .…”

“…Acne is the most common skin disorder treated by dermatologists that affects approximately 95% of the population within different age groups, mostly adolescence. 1 Although individuals going through puberty are most likely to get affected with acne vulgaris (AV), a study has revealed that approximately 50.9% of population in between the age group of 20-29 years are affected from AV, hence making an acne a serious problem for the young adult population. 2 Various treatment strategies are available that can be used either alone or in combination with various other therapies like topical anti-acne agents that includes benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoid, and antibiotics along with the recommendation of systemic therapies like tetracycline, macrolides, and isotretinoin.…”