Largest Survey of its Kind Reveals the Truth About Negative Perceptions of Teenagers With Acne

HARROGATE, England, March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The largest survey of its kind in the UK provides a valuable insight into just how teenagers and parents perceive teenagers with acne. The survey report publication coincides with the launch of a new website, http://www.acneacademy.org which will provide invaluable support to acne sufferers and their families. The results of the survey confirm that teenagers with acne are consistently perceived very differently as compared to teenagers without acne. Respondents generally felt that teenagers with acne would be less sociable and less successful. Teenagers with acne suggested that they would offer a lot in return for not having acne; one in two teenagers would stay off facebook for a year if they could get rid of their acne forever! In addition, over a quarter of teens with acne would refuse to have their picture taken and a fifth have untagged photos of themselves on Facebook, while around 15% have airbrushed their image to make sure their acne isn't visible in photos.

"I would even take my mum as my date to the end of year school ball if it meant that my acne would be gone forever!" - Teenager.

The survey also revealed that 70% of teenagers with acne have not sought medical advice, yet interestingly of the 30% who had sought medical advice, 91% noticed an improvement to their skin after using a prescription medicine. Results indicated:

- That teenagers with acne are perceived less favourably than clear skin teens by both teens and adults and demonstrates how acne may impact tee's' opportunities for advancing socially and academically - That many parents appear to have misguided perceptions regarding the extent to which teens are affected by their acne - Living in the digital era of instant photography uploads and social networking could be making the issue of acne so much worse for today's teenagers than previous generations

- That the single biggest issue in the majority of teenagers' lives is their appearance, well ahead of issues to do with their social life and education - A solid opinion amongst teenagers that their acne was not serious enough to warrant the doctors time - And finally, the panel was surprised that so few seek treatment when there are so many effective treatments for acne, especially given the risk of scarring in serious acne when left untreated

"Acne affects almost 80% of adolescents and young adults aged 11 to 30 and can have a major impact on the lives of those affected. It is eminently treatable and I would positively encourage people to seek help from their GP. There is better use of existing treatments and new treatments coming onto the market all the time which work quickly to start clearing the spots associated with acne." Dr Stephen Kownacki, GP Representative for the Acne Academy and Executive Chairman of the Primary Care Dermatology Society.

Teenagers and young adults are the age group most commonly affected by acne and the effects of having acne can be very distressing, leaving a negative effect on people's lives. Despite the high incidence of acne little research has been conducted to examine the perceptions of both teenagers and parents of teenagers with acne.

"As Dermatologists we can control and manage acne effectively. Successful and early treatment will result in improved patient satisfaction, confidence and overall psychological wellbeing." Dr Alison Layton, Consultant Dermatologist and Chair of the Acne Academy.