Project Title:

Evaluation of quality of life and self-esteem in acne patients.

Group Member Names:
➢ Sana Ambreen
➢ Mehr un nisa
➢ Fizza Riaz
➢ Asia Babar

Abstract:
Acne is the chronic inflammatory dermatological disease of pilosebaceous gland which is self-
limiting and characterized by increased sebum secretion, comedons, papules, pustules, nodules
and cyst resulting from altered keratinisation, inflammation and bacterial colonization of hair
follicles by propionibacterium acnes. The main cause of acne include excessive secretion of
sebum(oil) from sebaceous gland due to increase in androgen hormone. Acne are of two types ie:
inflammatory acne (red and swollen) and inflammatory acne. Acne is the eight most prevalent
disease worldwide. Around a globe, it is estimated to affect 94% of population with highest
prevalence in adolescents. The aim of our study was to assess quality of life and self-esteem in
Acne patients. The objective of our study was to determine age and gender prevalence. A
community based prospective observational study was performed to estimate the quality of life
and self-esteem in acne patients. Total 150 subjects were selected randomly as per inclusion and
exclusion criteria. The findings of our study showed that acne is more common in females (92%)
in comparison to males(8%). According to our study adolescent’s QoL and self-esteem have been
diminished by acne due to inculcated feelings of stress, depression and poorer self-esteem. Patients
after age of 20s were having prevalence approximately 92% and more specifically at age of 22 to
23 acne was more prevalent whereas harsh environmental conditions, oily skin type, stress,
age(20s) were found to be the most prevalent risk factors in acne patients concluding that acne
significantly affects quality of life and self-esteem being more prevalent in females.

Conclusion:
 Acne is the most common multi factorial dermatological disease affects approximately 9% of
the population worldwide. Although acne is not associated with physical disability but it has an
immense psychological, social and emotional impact. According to our research study,
adolescent’s quality of life and self-esteem have been diminished by acne due to inculcated
feelings of stress/depression and poor self-esteem. Patients after their age of 20’s were having
prevalence approximately 92% and more specifically at the age of 22 or 23 were more prevalent
(28.1%) to acne. Gender prevalence of acne shows that it was more profound in females as
compared to males. Genetics, stress, diet high in refined sugar/carbohydrates, oily skin, hormonal
changes during pregnancy or puberty, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, environmental (pollution, dirt,
extreme hot/cold) factors and use of greasy/oily substances (creams/lotions) are the major risk
factors. Consequently, systemic acne therapies, hormonal treatments as well as the reduction of
psycho-social impact are the mainstay guiding principles of clinical management of acne.

RECOMMENDATIONS
➢ Wash your face twice a day and after sweating.
➢ Use your finger tips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser.
➢ Be gentle with your skin.
➢ Scrubbing your skin can make acne worse.
➢ Rinse with lukewarm water.
➢ Let your skin heal naturally.
➢ Keep your off your face.
➢ Stay out of the sun and tanning beds.
➢ Reducing the stress and exercising regularly may help improve acne.
➢ Acne break outs can be prevented by incorporating omega-3-fattyacids and zinc
supplements into diet and limiting the dairy products and fewer intake of food with high
glycemic index.
➢ Consult a dermatologist if
i. Your acne makes you shy and embarrassed
ii. The products you have tried not worked
iii. Your acne is leaving scars or darkening your skin