Acne Can Increase Your Risk For Depression

Acne can be a debilitating condition and it doesn’t only happen during the teenage years—it can strike at any time of life. Adults who’re affected won’t necessarily have had acne when they were younger.

Whatever age you might be, the misery it can cause is very real. According to research that was published in the British Journal of Dermatology, the risk of suffering a major depressive disorder after an acne diagnosis increases by 63%. This article discusses the reasons behind this and looks at what can be done to help combat the condition. 

The Link Between Acne and Depression 

• What is acne?
• What is clinical depression?

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that causes the skin to erupt with pimples and pustules. It occurs in varying degrees but can, in serious cases, lead to lifelong facial scarring. There are different descriptions for the types of spots that appear and these are classified as:

• Papules: Small, red, and often tender to touch, bumps
• Whiteheads: These are closed clogged skin pores that have a whitish top, hence the name
• Blackheads: Open clogged skin pores
• Pustules: Red lumps that have pus at the tip
• Nodules: Larger, more solid, painful lumps
• Cystic lesions: These lumps are beneath the skin and filled with pus, typically very painful to touch.

Most people suffer from some or even all of these. Acne can cover the face, chest, shoulders, and even the upper back. 

What is clinical depression?

It doesn’t take much effort to realize how ongoing acne can affect your self-esteem. However, there’s a big difference between feeling a bit down about your appearance and clinical depression.

The latter isn’t something that a person can just “snap out of”. It’s caused by chemical changes within the brain and can cause unwanted thoughts and feelings for weeks, months, or even years. Major depressive disorder is diagnosed by a doctor who’ll carry out a physical examination, blood work, and a psychiatric examination.

In addition to constant feelings of sadness, the disorder might be accompanied by other unwanted attributes, such as: 

• Anxiety
• Alternating depression and mania
• Lack of joy in things that used to bring pleasure
• Feelings of personal inadequacy 

If you think you might be suffering from depression, it’s important to get professional help as soon as possible. The natural concern about an ongoing physical appearance problem, such as acne, is recognized as a significant trigger for depression.

Treating the Root Cause 

• Acne treatments 

Acne treatments

While there are plenty of over-the-counter treatments available, stubborn acne can only be successfully treated by professionals. Medical options for moderate to severe conditions utilize a combination of prescription drugs and various dermatological procedures. 

These might include some or a combination of the following:

Topical antibiotics

Topical retinoids

Azelaic acid and salicylic acid

Antibiotics

Corticosteroid injections

Combined contraceptive pill

Anti-androgen agents

Isotretinoin

Laser or light therapy

Drainage and extraction of whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts

Chemical peel

Every treatment for moderate to severe acne should be bespoke to your condition and response to what’s used. This will mean that your dermatologist will follow a stepwise approach, carefully monitoring each stage over a few weeks to determine the results. While this means that good acne treatment can take some time to have a response, once you’re in the hands of a specialist, you should begin to experience some improvement in symptoms within the first few weeks. 

Don’t Let Acne Blight Your Life. Contact Bayou City Today for Effective & Compassionate Treatment

Acne treatment is a specialty at Bayou City Dermatology. We passionately believe that everyone—no matter what their age—deserves to enjoy the best skin possible. Our highly experienced acne doctors work with you to determine what cutting-edge treatments will succeed in improving your acne, no matter what stage it might be. They will also work in conjunction with other practitioners if they consider you at risk for depression, meaning that you can benefit from the best treatment for both co-existing conditions. 

Don’t suffer for one minute more than you have to. Visit https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/clinical/acne-treatment to find out more and get in touch now to speak to start your journey to the best skin of your life.

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