More Than Skin Deep: Measuring the Emotional Toll of Acne

Original Article: Development of the acne-specific quality of life questionnaire Quality of Life Relevance-Acne

What are the key takeaways of this article?

Acne is a common dermatological condition that significantly impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL), affecting emotional well-being, social interactions, and daily activities. Despite its prevalence, the psychological burden of acne is often overlooked, leading to underestimation of its impact. Although several acne-specific HRQoL instruments exist, none adequately cover all relevant domains, including emotional distress, social stigma, and physical discomfort. This study addresses this gap by developing a comprehensive, acne-specific HRQoL questionnaire called the Quality of Life Relevance-Acne.

To create this new tool, Chernyshov et al. conducted a multi-phase study across nine European countries, identifying key issues affecting acne patients. Initially, 715 acne patients evaluated the relevance and clarity of items, and a panel of acne and quality-of-life experts refined the questions. This process resulted in a 21-item prototype, which was further tested on 1,502 patients. The research team conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, ultimately refining the questionnaire to a 19-item version categorized into three dimensions: Socioemotional, Symptoms, and Stigma and Suicidal Thoughts.

The Socioemotional dimension captures the emotional and social consequences of acne, such as dissatisfaction with appearance, social withdrawal, and reduced self-confidence. The Symptoms dimension focuses on physical discomfort, including pain, irritation, and sensitivity. The Stigma and Suicidal Thoughts dimension highlights the social stigma experienced by patients and its psychological effects, including suicidal ideation. These dimensions provide a holistic understanding of how acne affects patients' lives, offering valuable insights into the psychosocial burden of the condition.

The final version of the questionnaire showed good internal consistency and validity across all dimensions, ensuring its reliability as a HRQoL measurement tool. It provides a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted impact of acne, emphasizing the importance of considering emotional and social factors in acne management. By identifying the specific challenges acne patients face, the Quality of Life Relevance-Acne questionnaire can support clinicians in developing more effective, patient-centered treatment strategies.

Ultimately, this study highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to acne management that goes beyond treating physical symptoms. It emphasizes the importance of addressing emotional well-being and social stigma to improve overall quality of life. This new questionnaire not only bridges the gap in HRQoL assessment but also opens new avenues for research and clinical practice, paving the way for better support systems and tailored interventions for acne patients.

Publication Date: April 16, 2025

Reference: Chernyshov PV, Sampogna F, Raimondi G, et al. Development of the acne-specific quality of life questionnaire Quality of Life Relevance-Acne. JAAD Int. Published online September 2024. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2024.03.007

Summary By: Megan Lowe