Acne and Its Phychosocial Impacts - Essay Example

438). In a society which places high regard for appearance, and a healthy, glowing skin, skin disorders are often associated with uncleanliness, In many cases, people with skin conditions are avoided, because of the perception that all skin problems are contagious. Minor skin conditions can have major psychosocial effects to individuals experiencing it. Such condition affects a person’s self image, as well as how an individual interacts with others. Interpersonal relationships often suffer and affected individuals are traumatized with stares and expression of revulsion that they receive from society.

In cases when skin conditions are chronic, affected persons may be branded as social outcasts, hence leading to other psychological issues such as depression or social anxiety. For the purpose of this paper, the author will explore the effects of acne on an individual’s social experience. Acne vulgaris (common name, acne) is a “disease of the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back” (Rockoff & Cole, 2011). It is considered as the most common disease and almost all males and females have experienced it.

It usually appears during puberty, peaks at around 14 to 19 and resolves by mid-twenties (Adityan & Thappa, 2009, p. 272). The disease tend to be more persistent in females but the more severe form is more commonly experienced by males. To gauge its severity, lesion counting is often used. Acne typically appears as blackheads or whiteheads (congested pores called comedones) or tender red bumps more commonly known as pimples. In more severe cases, acne takes the form of pustules and cysts. Acne happens when an hair follicles attached to oil glands enlarges.

This causes the bump visible on the skin. Sometimes the walls holding the follicle may rupture which then allows skin bacteria to enter the deeper levels. When this happens, inflammation can happen. Pimples are inflammation in the deep levels, but deeper levels produce cysts. Whiteheads are oil which breaks out of the surface of the skin while blackheads are “black oil”, they are either oxidized oil or they may have accumulated melanin. In a study conducted by F. Ballanger, P.Baudry, J.M.

N’guyen, A. Kammari, & B. Dreno (2006) shows that heredity is a prognostic factor for severe acne but in the case of minor to mild conditions, heredity does not matter. Moreover, there is indication that the parents experience is not always the same as that of their children. Choice of food can aggravate acne but there is no real evidence showing that it has a direct impact on the occurrence of the skin disease. Stress is also often cited as a cause of acne, but researches show that its effects are not direct (Rockoff & Cole, 2011).

Some factors which may contribute to acne includes increased pressure from helmets, suspenders, etc., use of drugs containing steroids and prednisone, and use of comedogenic (skin clogging) products. While acne is a normal condition among adolescents, and will typically resolve on its own, there are instances when it will require treatment. Harald Gollnick, Andrew Finlay, & Neil Shear (2008) presents several indicators when acne should be considered a chronic disease: when its distribution and severity is constantly increasing, when acne treatment becomes necessary for months at a time, and if it affects the individual’s quality of life.

The authors believe that acne should be treated as a chronic disease and that effective treatment must be made available through research. Several studies show that people suffering from acne are more “prone to depression, social withdrawal, anxiety, and anger and are more likely to be