Body image and mental health challenges in adolescents
with acne

Esma Uslu; Zeynep Utlu; Nurcan Metin; Zeynep Ural; Serkan Naktiyok; Hilal Akköprü

doi:10.5114/ada.2025.157989

eISSN: 2299-0046
ISSN: 1642-395X

Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii

Current Issue Archive Manuscripts accepted About the journal Editorial board Reviewers Abstracting and indexing Subscription Contact Instructions for authors Publication charge Ethical standards and procedures

Editorial System

Submit your Manuscript

Editorial Policies

Sarajevo Declaration on Integrity and Visibility of Scholarly Publications

6/2025
vol. 42

Send email

Copy url:

abstract:

Original paper

Body image and mental health challenges in adolescents with acne

Esma Uslu

¹

,

Zeynep Utlu

²

,

Nurcan Metin

³

,

Zeynep Karaca Ural

²

,

Serkan Naktiyok

⁴

,

Hilal Akköprü

⁵

Private Buhara Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Erzurum, Turkey
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Health Sciences University, Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
Department of Labour Economics and Industrial Relations, Atatürk University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Erzurum, Turkey
Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases, Health Sciences University Elazığ City Hospital, Elazığ, Turkey

Adv Dermatol Allergol 2025; XLII (6): 549–556

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2025.157989

Online publish date: 2026/01/12

View full text Get citation

Introduction
Acne vulgaris (AV) affects over 85% of adolescents and often persists into adulthood.

Aim
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mild to moderate acne on body image, self-esteem, depression, and potential body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in adolescents.

Material and methods
170 acne patients and 79 healthy controls, aged 12–17, were recruited. Acne severity was assessed using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Participants completed the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Turkish Acne Quality of Life Index (TAQoLI).

Results
Significant negative correlations were found between acne severity and both quality of life (r = –0.372, p < 0.05) and body image scores (r = –0.586, p < 0.05). Depression scores were higher in the patient group (13.36 ±7.30, p < 0.001), showing a positive correlation with acne severity (r = 0.560). Social appearance anxiety emerged as the strongest predictor of quality of life. No significant differences in self-esteem were noted between groups.

Conclusions
Mild to moderate acne negatively impacts psychological well-being in adolescents, emphasising the importance of addressing not only physical symptoms but also psychosocial effects. Multidisciplinary approaches integrating dermatological and psychological care are recommended.

keywords:

Body image and mental health challenges in adolescents with acne

Esma Uslu 1 , Zeynep Utlu 2 , Nurcan Metin 3 , Zeynep Karaca Ural 2 , Serkan Naktiyok 4 , Hilal Akköprü 5

acne vulgaris, adolescents, body image, self-esteem

Esma Uslu

¹

,

Zeynep Utlu

²

,

Nurcan Metin

³

,

Zeynep Karaca Ural

²

,

Serkan Naktiyok

⁴

,

Hilal Akköprü

⁵