title: Psychosocial impact of acne vulgaris. evaluation of the relation between a change in clinical acne severity and psychosocial state.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although knowledge concerning the impact of acne vulgaris on quality of life has increased in recent years, relatively few studies have assessed the effect of a change in clinical severity on psychosocial state.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Assessment of the effect of a change in clinical acne severity on psychosocial state.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was investigated by means of questionnaires and clinical assessments by acne patients and dermatologists. Fifty females with mild to moderate facial acne were seen before and after a 9-month treatment with oral contraceptives.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed a great variability in psychosocial impairment between individuals. After 9 months, a significant reduction in clinical severity was seen overall which did not relate to the significant improvements in self-esteem, stability of self-esteem and acceptance of appearance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Perceived psychosocial impairment is individually based, is greater in women who subjectively overrate their acne and does not relate to clinical improvement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Mulder
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sigurdsson
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: van Zuuren
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Klaassen
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Faber
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: de Wit
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: van Vloten
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012649:Self Concept; D016353:Self-Examination; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires