Facial acne causes stigmatization among adolescents: A cross‐sectional study

Background Stigmatization is defined as a discrediting mark which sets the person from others and hindering interpersonal relationships. Literature data on stigma in acne subjects are scarce. Aims This study was undertaken to assess feelings of stigmatization in adolescents with facial acne. Material/Methods The study was performed on 730 high‐school students aged 15 to 19 years with the mean age of 17.05 ± 1.18 years. Self‐reported acne was found in 74.9% of subjects. The severity of acne was self‐assessed with the standardized color images based on Investigators Global Assessment (IGA). Stigmatization was studied with 6‐Item Stigmatization Scale (6‐ISS) and Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire (PSQ). Additionally, quality of life (QoL) was evaluated with Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results 58% of adolescents with acne presented with feelings of stigmatization. Within the acne population, stigmatization was significantly more common in females than in males (p