subject: How Acne Can Cause Emotional Scars? [print this page] Most people are vain when it comes to their faces. Since the face is the first part of the body that is immediately noticed, people take extra effort to keep it looking good, and sometimes making it the focal point in their narcissistic efforts.
But what about the people suffering from a skin condition like acne?
Acne typically occurs during the puberty stage when the skins' sebaceous glands produce too much oil, or sebum that the pores become blocked. This clogged-up state becomes the hotbed for bacteria and inflammation. In teenagers, hormonal changes cause a surge in the flow of androgens, or male sex hormones. This expands the sebaceous glands and cause more sebum to be produced. Genetic factors also play an important role in the development of breakouts.
Aside from being a regular occurrence for teenagers on the verge of puberty, acne can also occur in women who undergo hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Women who either start or quit taking birth-control pills are likewise at risk of developing acne. The incidence of this skin disorder may also be exacerbated or brought about by the intake of certain drugs. Other causes that are assumed to trigger this abnormal skin condition are related to stress and the environment. It has been suggested that fatty food and chocolate can equally cause acne, but that theory has yet to be proven.
Although information on the subject of acne characteristically covers the physical effects it has on affected people, evidences of psychological consequences have been obtained. Research has yielded vital data that people suffering from acne go through a range of negative emotions.
Teenagers, who are already going through a period of complicated adjustments, suffer doubly when plagued with blemish-causing breakouts. The stage of adolescence is enough to cause character crisis. When coupled with the distress that acne brings, it becomes such a major emotional burden that some adolescents would avoid social contact and retreat to their shells to languish in self-pity and aversion.
Because of the affliction, young people tend to slide into a phase where their physical appearance seriously upsets them, which consequently decreases their level of self-assurance. They may also start to feel depressed and become uneasy in social activities. Some would get to the point of such frustration that thoughts of suicide become common.
Acne can also affect older folks. Some adults have aired out grievances of not being taken seriously in their chosen profession merely because of the way colleagues view their condition.
Acne considerably affects a person's well-being, thus, dealing with it is a major concern and should be taken seriously. Skin experts recommend a range of treatment for this disorder from traditional therapy to photodynamic therapy and utilization of laser technology. Traditional therapy involves over-the-counter medications like topical creams, skin cleanser and toners with salicylic acid, sulfur and benzoyl peroxide for mild acne. For severe conditions, dermatologists may recommend isotretinoin. Another alternative is photodynamic therapy which helps ease lesions and temporarily shrinks sebaceous glands. While laser technologies are also treatment options, uncertainties of its effectiveness remain.
While acne can momentarily affect one's self-esteem, it should not be a cause for a continued downbeat outlook in life. Self-worth should be firmly established and rooted on one's individuality and personal achievements.
