British Skin Foundation to investigate impact of acne

THE BRITISH Skin Foundation is looking at the impact acne has on people with the condition and is inviting people to part in a survey.

The charity is keen to uncover the scale of the issue and whether those living with the condition, regardless of age or sex, could benefit from more advice, support and guidance than is currently available.

Bevis Man, spokesman for the British Skin Foundation said: “Judging from the emails and phone calls we get, we know there are a large number of people out there who are deeply affected by acne, yet don’t always have an obvious person or place to turn to about it.

“For some, simply being able to talk about their acne can be as important as treating the physical symptoms for it.”

Acne is believed to affect as many as eight in 10 individuals aged between 11 and 30 in the UK and is most common between the ages of 14 and 17 in girls, and between 16 and 19 in boys. For a small minority, about 5% of women and 1% of men, acne can continue into adulthood.

An earlier study showed how acne impacted on the mental health of 14 to 16-year-olds in the UK. It found that girls in particular had higher levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties. However, less than a third of participants had sought help from a doctor, with boys less likely to talk to friends and family about their acne.