American Counseling Association Urges Teenagers to Seek Medical Treatment for Serious Acne

Psychological, Social Impacts of Skin Disorder Cited

Source

American Counseling Association via
PR NEWSWIRE

Forums

Related Articles

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 31, 1997 -- Citing the often serious psychological and social impacts of acne, the American Counseling Association is urging teenagers and their parents to consult a physician for medical treatment of moderate to severe cases of acne in time to improve the condition before teens return to school in late August.

"Acne is more than just a source of minor embarrassment for teenagers," said Dr. Gail Robinson, immediate past president of the American Counseling Association. "Many teenagers with acne have a negative self-image, which can lead to withdrawal from friends and activities, inappropriate behavior and poor academic performance. Resolving their anxiety over acne is important to starting the school year with the confidence they need to succeed socially and academically."

Outward appearance and peer acceptance play a large role in a student's life both in and out of school. Researchers have linked physical appearance with peer status, and the "ideal" is often influenced by socially defined stereotypes of physical attractiveness. "Being a teenager is difficult enough, but the stigma of 'bad skin' often compounds the situation, especially at a time that is so critical to an adolescent's personal growth," said Dr. Robinson. "Consulting a physician for treatment is the first place to start, but we also need to encourage teens not to feel embarrassed by having acne or to feel so pressured by society's emphasis on looks."

Seeking Relief

While over-the-counter medications may work for mild cases of acne, more difficult cases usually require prescription antibiotics, both topical and oral, that are available only through a physician. "It is common for patients to take the 'wait and see' approach to treating acne," said Dr. Diane Berson, assistant clinical professor at New York University School of Medicine and a practicing dermatologist. "If a person is concerned about or feels personally affected by acne, it is important to seek medical advice."

According to Dr. Berson, "There are prescription medications available that if administered now can substantially improve even difficult cases of acne before students go back to school. One topical medication, Benzamycin(R), combines benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial, and erythromycin, an antibiotic. This combination has been shown to be more effective than either medication used individually and to produce results in as little as two weeks." As with other topical acne medications, local irritation has been reported with Benzamycin use.

Psychosocial Impacts of Acne

About 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 25 develop acne. Although it is not a life threatening condition, severe acne can cause scarring and affect a person's self-image, causing feelings of insecurity and inferiority. As early as 1948, research on the psychosocial ramifications of acne showed that the condition can negatively impact a patient's social, academic and employment status. More recently, open discussions between medical professionals and their patients during clinical examinations continue to reveal acne's effects on the psyche. Acne patients expressed problems with:

• self-esteem/self-confidence
  
• body image
  
• anger
  
• embarrassment leading to social withdrawal
  
• lifestyle limitations
  
• difficulties with family members
  

Some patients also displayed signs and symptoms of depression, such as loss of concentration, deterioration in academic performance, behavior problems stemming from decreased self image, spontaneous crying or insomnia.

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by poor diet or hygiene. Factors beyond a person's control, such as puberty, heredity and hormonal changes, play a larger role in acne's development. However, stress has been shown to help trigger the physiological changes that lead to an outbreak. While stress and anxiety contribute to acne, acne in turn contributes to stress and anxiety, which becomes a vicious cycle. "In addition to meeting the medical needs of teenage acne sufferers, we also need to address their emotional concerns," said Robinson. "Teenagers need to realize that acne is a normal part of growing up and it won't last forever."

Eighty percent of population, all ages affected

Acne is a disease that affects approximately 17 million people in the United States, and nearly 80 percent of the population will develop some form of acne during their lifetime. While the condition is most prevalent among teenagers, acne affects people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. It develops when the hair follicles become clogged by skin cells that block the opening of pores. If the blocked pore is not visible, it forms a whitehead; if the pore is open and visible, it forms a blackhead. Red, inflamed papules and pustules are formed when acne bacteria break through the whitehead or blackhead. The most common form of acne (acne vulgaris) is a constellation of whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. Acne occurs most often on the face, but it can also develop on the back, chest, shoulders and neck.

About the American Counseling Association

Founded in 1952, the American Counseling Association is the world's largest private, non-profit organization for professional counselors. Dedicated to promoting public confidence and trust in the counseling profession, the American Counseling Association serves more than 56,000 members in the United States and 50 other countries by providing leadership training, continuing education and advocacy services. For more information on the American Counseling Association, visit our web site at http://www.counseling.org.

The American Counseling Association does not explicitly or implicitly endorse any product for the treatment of acne. This program is underwritten by Dermik Laboratories, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical company specializing in medications for skin disorders. Dermik is committed to educating the public about skin care.

CONTACT: Braden Goetz, Director of Public Policy and Information of American Counseling Association, 703-823-9800, ext. 216 or BGoetz@counseling.org; or Marcy Saack of MCS Public Relations, 800-477-9626 or marcys@mcspr.com