HEALTH Acne can affect more than your child’s skin

Acne can affect more than your child’s skin


Skin specialist
Bernie Fahy

Depression is something that you might not automatically associate with acne, but it is very common. For some children and teens, acne can affect self-esteem. And, unfortunately, for a subset of those children – when the impact is significant – that can ultimately lead to depression.
As a concerned parent or caregiver, you should be aware of the relationship between acne and depression and how to support your child through the difficulties of acne.
Research has shown the first signs of acne typically show in children one to two years prior to the start of puberty. Puberty also happens to coincide with an increased rate of depression, especially among girls.
Acne is one of the most common medical conditions linked to depression. It can have an obvious impact on a child’s appearance. During the pre-teen and teenage years, appearances  become increasingly important in a child’s mind, any perceived flaw could have a devastating effect on their confidence. Adults can cope with the upsetting feelings that having acne can create, as they have more experience reconciling these emotions, but even some adults with acne cannot overcome them easily.
Parents of children with acne should watch out for the following symptoms of depression:

• Feelings of excessive guilt
• Inability to concentrate
• Academic decline
• Irritability
• Withdrawal from Isolation from family and friends
• Avoiding school and social activities
• Hopelessness
• Appetite changes
• Sleep problems
• Excessive crying
• Thoughts or behaviours associated with self-harm

If you notice that your child has any symptoms of depression, it is important to seek medical advice from your child’s doctor, who will be able to determine whether your child is depressed and recommend treatment.
The earlier depression is identified and treated the better, especially for children. The longer it goes on, the more likely it is that it will affect school work, and even lead to substance abuse and suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
Support and compassion are vital. Avoid making fun of your child’s acne or their feelings surrounding it. Instead of disregarding or minimising your child’s feelings about their acne, ask them to open up to you and reassure them.
Focusing on your child’s talents and praising achievements will help build confidence and self-esteem.
If possible, consult your child’s physician about appropriate medical treatment for the acne itself, as some research indicates that the improvement of acne may be related to the decrease of depressive symptoms in children who were distressed by it.

THE SKIN SPECIALIST Bernie Fahy works in Ballinrobe, Westport and Galway. She can be contacted at 086 2220125 or info@bernietheskinspecialist.com. For more information, visit www.bernietheskinspecialist.com.