Management of the Psychological Impact of Acne Vulgaris - A Primary Care Perspective

Treating acne vulgaris can be a frustrating task as most patients desire to have quick relief from the symptoms. Due to disfiguring nature of the disease, most patients suffer psychological problems. Some patients get worried about their physical appearance and become withdrawn. Some patients seek spiritual healing, and they consider it an affliction or as a curse placed on them by perceived enemies. There is a need to discuss the diagnosis, the management procedure, the expected duration of treatment and the side effects of the drugs with the patients, as this will help patients to cooperate with their care. Thus, treating the physical symptoms may be a solution to the psycho-cutaneous problems associated with skin diseases. We present this case report and review of the literature to highlight both the psychological and physical symptoms of Acne vulgaris and its management. This patient was treated with any need for complex psychiatric or psychological tools.