On average, 80% of adolescents in France suffer fromacne, of which 15% in a severe form*. But this skin disease (characterized by inflammation of the hair follicle, which causes the appearance of buttons red or white, especially on the face, neck and back) can also affect adults – especially men.
While acne is a relatively benign skin condition (although infection is always possible), experts at the British Skin Foundation say it still has serious consequences psychologically. Thus, according to a press release recently published by the British medical association (and relayed by the English-language newspaper The Independent), 20% of acne sufferers have had suicidal thoughts. The same proportion have already ended a romantic relationship because of this dermatological disorder. And 60% of patients have already suffered verbal aggression related to the appearance of their skin…
Acne has nothing to do with dirt
“Every year, people who are affected by acne and in psychological distress try to end their lives. Cases of self-mutilation are also frequent,” explains James Partridge, president of the Changing Face association, which helps patients with disfigurement. “Society must understand that acne is a disease like any other, which has nothing to do with dirt. We need to be respectful and help people overcome this disorder, instead of denigrating and stigmatizing them. »
It should be recalled that, according to a survey carried out by the Pierre Fabre/CSA laboratory in July 2014, 92% of patients with severe acne constantly feel anxiety and worry because of their disease. 66% of them have already avoided public locker rooms because of their complexes and do not even consider putting on a bathing suit. Finally, in 70% of cases, acne is experienced as “a disaster”.
*source: CSA survey of 10,000 people in 2013.
Video: A beauty YouTuber responds with dignity to comments about her acne.
