Facial acne causes stigmatization among adolescents: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Stigmatization is defined as a discrediting mark which sets the person from others and hindering interpersonal relationships. Literature data on stigma in acne subjects are scarce. AIMS: This study was undertaken to assess feelings of stigmatization in adolescents with facial acne. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study was performed on 730 high-school students aged 15 to 19 years with the mean age of 17.05 ± 1.18 years. Self-reported acne was found in 74.9% of subjects. The severity of acne was self-assessed with the standardized color images based on Investigators Global Assessment (IGA). Stigmatization was studied with 6-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS) and Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire (PSQ). Additionally, quality of life (QoL) was evaluated with Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). RESULTS: 58% of adolescents with acne presented with feelings of stigmatization. Within the acne population, stigmatization was significantly more common in females than in males (p < 0.001). The mean level of stigmatization according to 6-ISS was significantly higher in acne sufferers than in those free from acne (1.68 ± 2.42 points and 0.55 ± 1.50 points, respectively; p < 0.001). Feelings of stigmatization were significantly more pronounced by females than males (p < 0.001). Staring at the skin and the fact that others are not attracted to person due to skin lesions were main problems raised by the study participants with acne. 6-ISS scores correlated with acne severity (r = 0.278; p < 0.001) and both 6-ISS and PSQ scores with QoL impairment (r = 0.530; p < 0.001 and r = 0.341; p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Facial acne is a highly stigmatized skin disease and requires a holistic therapeutic approach.

Prevalence and quality of life of facial acne: a cross-sectional study in high school students in Poland.

Introduction: Acne is a frequent chronic inflammatory disease, which affects most commonly adolescents. It might have a negative effect on patients' well-being. Aim: To appraise the prevalence of facial acne among adolescents and to assess how acne of different clinical severity influences quality of life in this age group. Material and method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a representative sample of individuals aged 15-19 years in high schools in Poland. A total of 730 students were included in the final analysis. Standardized photographs according to the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) were used for self-assessment of both the presence and severity of facial acne. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was employed to evaluate subjects' quality of life (QoL) impairment. Results: Facial acne was found in 547 (74.9%) respondents with no significant difference in acne prevalence among females (75.1%) and males (74.6%). The vast majority of acne individuals (90.9%) suffered from minimal and mild acne, moderate acne was reported by 7.3% and severe one by 1.8% of acne students. Acne had a small effect on QoL (DLQI mean score of 2.8 ±3.6 points); females had significantly more decreased QoL than males (3.17 ±3.74 and 1.76 ±2.69 points, respectively). QoL impairment positively correlated with the clinical severity of facial acne. Conclusions: Facial acne is a common health problem in adolescents. Although it is not very severe in the majority of subjects it significantly decreases their QoL. Therefore, acne should be treated as a serious skin condition requiring a holistic approach to the patients.