Complexion and Perception: A Study on Acne-Induced Stigma

Original Article: Evaluation of Stigma Toward Individuals With Acne

What are the key takeaways of this article?

A novel study by Shields et al., delves into the stigmatization faced by individuals with acne, emphasizing its prevalence and intensity, particularly against those with severe acne and dark skin. The primary objective of the study was to quantify the public's attitudes and examine variations based on the acne characteristics and the respondents' demographics.

Their research employed a cross-sectional internet survey format, utilizing digitally enhanced stock portraits with varying degrees of acne severity, sex, and skin tone. The survey, conducted on the ResearchMatch platform, included 1357 participants, predominantly female and White, with an average age of 42.4 years. Respondents evaluated the images on aspects such as comfort in social and professional interactions, and stereotype endorsement.

Key findings revealed that individuals with severe acne faced significantly more stigma, as indicated by reluctance in socializing, hiring, physical contact, dating, and sharing social media photos. These individuals were also more likely to be perceived negatively, and associated with poor hygiene, unattractiveness, lower intelligence, likability, maturity, and trustworthiness. Notably, the stigma was more pronounced for images depicting individuals with darker skin.

Interestingly, the study highlighted that participants with a personal history of acne displayed less stigmatizing attitudes. Age was also a factor, with older participants tending to have more stigmatizing views. However, no significant differences were observed based on the respondents' sex, race, ethnicity, or healthcare worker status. In addressing common misconceptions about acne, a substantial proportion (26.4%) perceived acne as merely a cosmetic issue. However, most participants recognized that acne is not confined to teenagers and doesn't always resolve independently.

The study's implications are significant, suggesting that acne-related stigma could negatively impact individuals' social, educational, and employment spheres. The amplified stigma for individuals with darker skin raises concerns about potential social and economic disparities, underlining the need for further investigation into whether these attitudes stem from differences in disease expression across skin tones or underlying racial biases. It further emphasizes the need for strategies to mitigate these stigmatizing attitudes and improve access to care, thereby potentially averting the adverse consequences of such societal biases.

Publication Date: December 22nd, 2023

Reference: Shields A, Nock MR, Ly S, Manjaly P, Mostaghimi A, Barbieri JS. Evaluation of Stigma Toward Individuals With Acne. JAMA Dermatol. Published online December 06, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.4487

Summary By: Parsa Abdi