At a time when youngsters are at their most vulnerable--during the teenage years, the scourge of acne hits to further erode their ability to form the social attachments that are so important for future emotional health and well-being.
It is for this reason that any effective treatment for acne and prevention of further pimple breakouts should include recognition of the psychological component of acne treatment.
By treating the visible lesions caused by acne and working on the negative self image that is common with those who have acne, the acne sufferer has the opportunity to improve his or her self esteem.
Hormonal changes Part of the most effective treatment for acne relies on adjustment of the hormones that go on a rampage during the adolescent years.
So the hormones that sometime fluctuate wildly during this teenage stretch of years are also implicated in causing the skin of the face, neck and shoulders to breakouts in unsightly bumps, lesions, blackheads and whiteheads.
Because this same hormonal effect, many adolescents suffer from low self-image even when their appearance doesn't show signs of acne.
The doctor who recognizes the effect of the hormone changes on both the physical and emotional well-being will be well able to treat both aspects.
Appearance There is no doubt that acne is ugly.
It attacks when teens are at their most vulnerable and most concerned about their appearance in the eyes of those around them.
Treatment for acne that doesn't take into consideration how the person who has acne looks will not be successful treatment.
Most people have at least some level of concern about how they look, but for adolescents in the grips of pimple breakouts, the concern is doubly important.
Their self esteem may be shaky already and knowing the negative appearance caused by an acne blemish, insult is added to injury.
Self-image A positive self-image is one of the most difficult things to promote in an adolescent who is suffering from facial skin that is red and swollen with blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads irritating the sensitive skin and the sensitive feelings about one's appearance.
Treatment for acne that doesn't take into consideration how the person feels about their appearance will be less than successful.
Medical doctors, dermatologists and other medical personnel are more and more aware of the need for treatment of the personality as well as the way the person feels about their appearance.
Cosmetic surgery Cosmetic surgery to repair the ravages of pitting and scarring caused by breakouts of acne is becoming more common amongst people from all walks of life.
The treatment of acne that takes appearance into consideration rather than ignoring the unsightly scars recognizes that there is more to healing than just physical healing.
Several types of cosmetic treatment are available to successfully remove the scars of acne.
These include dermabrasion, chemical peeling and other methods.
The positive psychological impact that such a surgery will have on the acne sufferer may be well worth the expense of such a surgery in fostering a positive self esteem.