STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Appearance, especially of the skin, is intimately linked with self-esteem, doctors sayIt's important to point out the positive qualities and traits of teens with acneDepression symptoms may lessen after high school
(CNN) -- Kelly, 22, has suffered from depression since age 8. But it's only recently that she realized how much worse she feels when her acne flares up. During the two years in college when her depression waned, so did her skin problems.
"When I was free of the depression, I was feeling completely confident and able to make use of all of the opportunities, and much more able to present myself and meet people," said Kelly, who asked that her last name not be used. "And, of course, also with the acne clearing up, I didn't worry about people seeing me and judging me based on acne."
The connection between acne and depression has long been documented, especially in teens, but some attributed it to particular medications for acne such as isotretinoin (sold as Accutane, Clarus and others). But a recent study in the British Medical Journal found that the drug itself may not matter; according to Swedish researchers, acne itself raises the risk of depression and suicide attempt.
That may be because appearance is intimately linked with self-esteem, doctors say.
"Your skin is what you present to the world, and unfortunately we all aim for that airbrushed perfection that's on the covers of the magazines," said Dr. Diane Walder, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Miami.
Finding a caring dermatologist to guide you through acne is key to both getting clearer skin and feeling better about yourself, said Dr. Jessica Krant, a dermatologist based in New York. A proper treatment plan from a dermatologist can clear up a person's skin, which in turn may resolve depression symptoms, said Dr. Sherrif Ibrahim, chief medical editor of skinsight.com.
-Genetics and hormones are driving forces in acne
-Acne is caused by: Increased oil production, clogged pores, growth of bacteria in clogged pores and inflammation
-There's no proven link to junk food, milk, chocolate
-Just because you have acne doesn't mean you have a dirty face
-Treatment is highly individualized
- Options include: over-the-counter ointments and washes, topical treatments, antibiotics, isotretinoin-based medications, oral contraceptives, laser therapy and other cosmetic procedures
Learn more about acne from Skinsight
In teenagers, self-esteem may take a particular dive with acne because others may be making fun of them, and their anxiety about others' perceptions of them can result in depression, said Bobbie McDonald, a psychologist in Costa Mesa, California. In fact, anything that makes teens stand out makes them see themselves in a negative light, she said.
Some of the low mood and anxiety symptoms may go away after high school graduation, she said.
"Even if the acne remains, we'll see a shift when they finish high school because whether they go to college or get a job, they start to redefine themselves in ways that boost their self-esteem," she said.
Depression may also worsen acne, because depressed people's motivation to take care of themselves and do their doctor's http://www.acne-treatment-medicine-1.info/treatments-and-solutions.htm
