QUALITY OF LIFE IN ACNE VULGARIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. It is a common skin disorder affecting at least 80% of young adults. It is so prevalent in this age group, that it has been viewed as a normal physiological reaction accompanying the process of puberty (Hanna et al., 2003). However, the inflammatory changes of acne represent a true disease that may be socially disabling to some degree in 50- 60% of adolescents (Quan et al., 1980).

Skin diseases, such as acne are sometimes thought of as unimportant, even trivial, when compared with diseases of other organ systems. To address this point directly, validated generic questionnaires were used to assess morbidity in acne patients and compare it with morbidity in patients with other chronic diseases (Mallon et al., 1999).

Several studies have proposed that acne is associated with psychiatric and psychological processes such as, depression, social phobia and certain anxiety disorders. It was found that acne patients report greater levels of anxiety and depression than other dermatology patients (Hanna et al., 2003).

Many studies concluded that patients with acne experience functioning and emotional effects from their skin disease. Other studies have examined the relationship between acne and various psychological factors including depression, anxiety, emotions, self concept and self-esteem. All these studies concluded that acne