There is no doubt that acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the globe and it often leads to psychological stress in teenagers and young adults. The exact causes of acne may be different between individuals, but the roles of the increased sebum production, inflammatory changes, genetic makeup, hormonal changes, and stress are well-established in the scientific literature (P. Magin et al 2006, Dermatology Nursing, vol 18, No. 4). Meanwhile, the impacts from diet, skin washing/cleanliness, and sunlight exposure are inconclusive, thus currently under investigations.
Unfortunately, while the evidence did not suggest people with acne were more unhygienic in maintaining their skin condition, societal stigmatization often leads them to self-blame which may further damage their self-esteem tremendously.
Magin (2006) and his team conducted qualitative interviews with 13 male and 13 female current acne patients, by asking questions like:
* How do you feel about your acne?
* What do you think is the worst thing about your acne?
* Do you think other people notice your skin?
* What do you think might cause your acne?
* Do you think having unclean skin causes acne?
* Do you think you can control your acne? How?
* If your acne gets worse, do you think it?s your fault?
Many of these questions are designed to reflect these acne patients? psychological perception and myths about their conditions.
Surprisingly, contrary to the scientific evidence, most of these interviewed patients have a firm conviction that diet, skin cleanliness, and sun exposure are definitive causes of their conditions. On the other hand, they believe hormonal changes or genetics only play a minor, if any, role. Thus, as a result, many tried to modify their dietary pattern (ie: drinking more water, less junk foods including chips and chocolates, and frequently wash their faces).
Although drinking more water, eating less unhealthy foods, and maintaining a healthy skin condition wouldn't hurt per se, we simply did NOT know whether they are effective in treating or preventing the acne occurrences. The take-home message is that these myths and misconceptions unjustifiably lay blames on the acne sufferers, and such distorted ideas should be recognized and eradicated.
Original source: http://healthfocus.wordpress.com/?p=10
