Stress and Acne

December 19th, 2005

It has long been hypothesized that stress can make acne worse. It is safe to say that many dermatologists observed this in their practices. Indeed, just in the last few weeks as final examinations have come to an end and many high school and college students are on their winter break, we have observed significant improvement in our patients’ acne.

To add some actual data to this belief, s study performed a few years ago looked at college students and evaluated the change in their acne during final exams. The participants of the study we assessed for the degree of acne and perceived degree of stress.

The study concluded that “Patients with acne may experience worsening of the disease during examinations. Furthermore, changes in acne severity correlate highly with increasing stress, suggesting that emotional stress from external sources may have a significant influence on acne.”

For the full article abstract, click here.

Entry Filed under: General Acne News