The social and psychological effects of acne are responsible for the problem of low self-image that many individuals who suffer from acne display. Psychologist are reporting that even a mild case of acne can be damaging to the psyche. In an effort to better understand this disease, medical experts have studied numerous cases and found that the view of self-image more then the acne itself was responsible for the psychological damages suffered by these people. Acne can an does effect both adults and teenagers, although acne is more prominent in the teenage years. A person's view of himself and his psychological strength to resist to peer and group pressure will to some degree determine how strong of a psychological effect acne will have.

A new condition or if you prefer disorder was identified: the Psychodermatologic disorder. It is a disorder that concerns itself with the mind/skin relationship. Really we are talking the mind/body rapport.

There are 3 categories to this disorder. Number 1: Psychophysiologic disorders, Number 2: Primary psychiatric disorders and Number 3: Secondary psychiatric disorders

We will be concerned with Number 1 the Psychophysiologic Disorders. This is the category where acne is identified. What we are seeing is a skin problem that is not directly link to the mind but that does react to emotional stimulus such as stress. There is some consensus in the medical field that this condition can be treated with anxiety-decreasing therapy or in the most acute cases with the use of psychotropic medications.

The teenage years are the years where individuals develop their self-image, where they learn personal skills and where they create an identification of who they are. Peer and group pressure are at its peak. The need to be accepted in the group exercises immense stress on the individual's psyche. We all know how cruel and unforgiving people can be. The least physical difference is taken to new heights. The sexual attraction is developing in these individuals and their physical appearance is of the outmost importance. From their perspective, acne is ruining their life. Social acceptance is at the heart of the teenage years.

Today there is a more open dialogue between doctors and patients. Acne's numerous effects are now being openly discussed. Some of the problems being discussed relate to a low self-image and an overly distorted view of one's body. People with acne often walk staring at the floor to avoid any personal contact. Often people who have acne outbreak will try to hide their condition, we see girls using more make-up or grow their hair longer to hide their face. The need to hide what they perceive as a defect of their body leaves scars in their psyche.

Often people with acne will not want to participate in sports where they would feel vulnerable because they would expose their face or their upper body if this is where they have acne. Gym classes and swimming become a problem. The look they get from their peer group is so strongly felt that some of them fake an injury to avoid going to gym class. Some teenagers refuse to go to school and some never go back. In effect some lives are totally devastated by acne. The psychological effects for some in such that they become reclusive and unproductive. Poorly prepared for a career, shy, reclusive and feeling alone, they are often in later years find themselves alone, unemployed and financially destitute.

In adult acne some people refuse to go to their job, they call in sick when they have an acne outbreak. Social acceptance and more important peer group acceptance is difficult for people with acne, they fear losing it all with an outbreak of acne. They isolate themselves and wait it out.

People with acne find social interaction very difficult not only because of their low self-image but also because of the view they feel their peer group has toward them.

Depression is a common consequence of acne. This distress must be recognized and taken under control to avoid permanent damage to one's psyche. The way a teenager sees himself in his formative years will without a doubt be reflected in his behaviors for the rest of his life unless strong and positive re-enforcements come into play.

There is help for those who seek it but low self-image and the sense of worthlessness often does not permit an individual to get the help. For teenagers, it is up to the parents to recognize the problem and act on it in a loving and caring manner knowing ahead of time that the person will resist their help.