The effects of acne can create a lasting impression on the personality of an acne sufferer. Here is a list of some personality traits an acne sufferer may display:
- Low self-esteem: Acne sufferers are often overly self-critical and compare themselves to everyone around them. This is often a trigger for picking at the skin, which is a way to beat yourself up.
- Socially insecure: Acne sufferers are afraid of being rejected, yet are quick to reject others as well. They doubt anyone could like them.
- Isolated: Most acne sufferers are loners, and for good reasons, especially if their self-esteem is already low. They can appear cool, distant, and aloof. They most likely work jobs that require them to face little interaction with others and may choose hobbies that they can do alone. A consequence of rejection of social contact is that they feel lonely and rejected, and they may begin to reject personal contact from other people as well.
- Self sufficiency: A majority of acne sufferers have proven to be incredibly self sufficient. They prefer to do things alone and not really need anyone else. This can prove to be problematic in the long-run because they are most likely to refuse help from people when they really need it. They also tend to display perfectionistic tendencies.
- Dramatic overachievers or underachievers: The above characteristics tend to push an acne sufferer to be either an overachiever or underachiever. Some will withdraw into their scholastic pursuits, while others (especially teenage boys) may feel so worthless that they give up on doing anything.
- Hostile and aggressive behavior: Some acne sufferers manifest their insecurity through angry outbursts and inappropriate or rebellious behavior.
- Guilt prone: Most acne sufferers feel that they are doing something wrong to bring the acne upon themselves. They seek out faults within themselves to explain their acne.
- Suspicious and cynical: Acne sufferers are typically suspicious of the motives of people around them. It takes a while for them to believe or accept another person’s motives. Young women especially are prone to this.
- Extremely sensitive: Acne sufferers (especially women) tend to be more sensitive and react more quickly to emotional situations. Studies have shown that the longer a woman deals with acne, the more emotionally sensitive she will be.
- High anxiety: Sufferers of both sexes and all ages experience high levels of anxiety.
It is evident that acne severely affects the personality as it destroys the self image of a sufferer. The best way to prevent deep psychological damage is to prevent the acne from occurring. Once that has been accomplished, work can be done to help the person heal from the psychological scars left behind from the disease.
