Quality of life studies show that people with acne tend to be more neurotic, introverted and have more social setting anxiety when compared to controls, according to a recent review. In fact, acne is often viewed as a social handicap.

People with acne can experience residual postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, a condition that sometimes contributes to residual psychosocial effects. Many patients seek more aggressive treatment for the residual hyperpigmentation and appear to have greater concerns about it.

Citation: Varade R, West D, Ambrecht E, Guo M. Psychosocial impact of postacne hyperpigmentation in patients with acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5) Suppl 1:AB8. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.02.031.