As summer approaches, many people make plans to spend time with friends and family. However, those with scarring might fear this time of year and be less likely to commit to social events.
"Research has shown scarring can have a profound impact on a person's self-confidence."
Research has shown that scarring can have a profound impact on someone's self-confidence, no matter if the mark was created by a burn, genetic condition or acne. With lowered self-esteem, people may feel less inclined to have fun, feel relaxed and accomplish summer goals.
"Depression is common among teenagers and acne can contribute to it, but there are effective treatments available to treat acne," Steven Feldman, MD, PhD, from the Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, told Medscape Medical News. Feldman and his colleagues, according to Medscape, researched how acne affected a person's quality of life.
In another study, published in BioPsychoSocial Medicine, researchers examined how teenagers and adults perceive those who have acne compared to people with beautiful skin. They also studied people with acne and how they felt about their condition. Theyfound that teenagers and adults mainly recognized others with acne as having low self-esteem and negative qualities. The first characteristic that 65 percent of teens and 75 percent of adults noticed about a person with acne was their imperfect skin. Finally, those with acne also viewed their condition in an unflattering light. Sixty-four percent felt discomfited by their acne and 71 percent felt shy or had low self-esteem.
While this study focused on present acne, acne scars can also negatively impact self-esteem. If you would like to reduce any type of scar, contact dual-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Marotta of Marotta Plastic Surgery Specialists on Long Island, New York.
