Less Likely To Participate

According to a research team at the University of Bath, acne patients who are highly anxious about their skin condition say they are less likely to participate in sport or exercise. The study, published in the Journal of Health Psychology, found that acne sufferers (both men and women) who perceived their skin to be negatively evaluated by others also experienced lower self-esteem and a poorer quality of life.

Researchers say that “dermatological social anxiety” is often overlooked in studies on motivation for sport and exercise in favour of physical inhibitions. Mrs Alison Bowser, Acne Patient spokesperson, told Medical News Today, “Acne is usually a very treatable condition, but requires persistence and determination to find successful treatments. Untreated acne may lead to scarring and embarrassment, which in turn may lead to an avoidance of daily activities such as sport.” The result of the study will help develop new ways to encourage acne sufferers to stay more physically active.