Volume 29, Issue 163, September 2025

Psychological Impact of Acne in Adults and Adolescents - Narrative Review

Jan Wojdal^1♦, Michał Wilk², Daniel Narożniak³, Karolina Kusek⁴, Katarzyna Ciepłucha⁵, Aleksandra Wądołowska⁶, Zuzanna Mogilany⁷, Barbara Przybył⁸, Blanka Serafin- Juszczak⁹, Maria Wydra¹⁰

¹Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Pabianicka 62, 93-513,Łódź, Poland
²Central Clinical Hospital, of Medical University of Lodz; Pomorska 251, Łódź, Poland
³St. Raphael’s Voivodeship Specialist Hospital in Czerwona Góra, Czerwona Góra 10, 26-060 Chęciny, Poland
⁴Central Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz; Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland
⁵Rydygier Specialist Hospital in Krakow, Osiedle Złotej Jesieni 1, 31- 820 Kraków, Poland
⁶University Clinical Hospital No. 1 of the Medical University of Lodz, Kopcińskiego 22, 90-153 Łódź, Poland
⁷Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lodz, Północna 42, 91–425 Łódź: Lodz, Poland
⁸University Clinical Hospital No. 2 of the Medical University of Lodz; Stefana Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Łódź, Poland
⁹University Clinical Hospital No. 2 of the Medical University of Lodz: Łódź, ul. Stefana Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Łódź, Poland
¹⁰Rydygier Specialist Hospital in Krakow; Osiedle Złotej Jesieni 1, 31- 820 Kraków, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Jan Wojdal, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Pabianicka 62, 93- 513,Łódź, Poland

ABSTRACT

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most severe and widespread skin conditions. It affects the skin yet causes substantial psychological effects, which primarily affect people in their adolescent and young adult years across the world. The severity of skin symptoms does not always determine the intensity of psychological impact that causes anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Aim: This narrative review aims to establish the relationship between acne vulgaris and mental health, investigate treatment obstacles, and provide care methods. Materials and methods: Scientific articles were gathered using databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Clinical trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and observational studies were used to assess the psychological impact of acne on adolescents and adults. Results: Acne shows a direct relationship with mental health conditions, including depression and suicidal thoughts, regardless of the disease severity. Stigmatization leads to poor academic and professional performance, as well as the deterioration of social relationships. Patients will find it hard to comply with their prescribed treatment plans due to the combination of unattainable treatment goals and adverse effects. The safety profile of isotretinoin has been a matter of concern despite its use as a first-line therapy. Psychological treatments improve emotional health and the effectiveness of treatment. Conclusions: Acne is a condition that affects human skin, producing enduring psychological effects. Dermatological care should include both psychological support and screening procedures. Physicians need to address both physical and emotional symptoms to provide a holistic approach.

Keywords: acne vulgaris, mental health, depression, anxiety

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e189ms3716

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i163.e189ms3716

Published: 29 September 2025