FOR many young people, acne can be a traumatic part of adolescence.

While creams can help to treat and cover it up, the skin condition can affect a young person's confidence and self-esteem and is a very unwelcome part of growing up.

Now, in the biggest survey of its history, the British Skin Foundation has laid bare the extent of the problem by revealing that more than half of acne sufferers have experienced verbal abuse from friends, family and other people they know due to the marks on their skin.

Acne is a common skin condition that is a combination of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and pus-filled spots (pustules). It usually starts around the time of puberty and varies in severity from a few spots on the face, neck, back and chest to a more significant problem that may cause scarring and impact on self-confidence. Whilst most people grow out of acne by the time they hit their twenties, it is perfectly normal for it to occur for longer.

Aside from the visual symptoms of acne, it's important not to trivialise the emotional impact of the disease. Being a very visual condition, acne can have a huge impact on a person's self-esteem and confidence, bringing with it potential long-term effects on their life. This can have an impact on various aspects of life, such as relationships, work or state of mind.

Alarmingly, the survey found that more than 10 per cent of people have been unfairly dismissed at work due to their acne, demonstrating a degree of discrimination against a small, but significant, number of acne sufferers.

The condition can have a devastating impact on personal lives too, with nearly 20 per cent of respondents experiencing the end of a relationship due to their acne. More than 20 per cent of participants had thought about or attempted suicide, demonstrating the consequences of acne on mental health, confidence and self-worth.

Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesman, Dr Anjali Mahto, says: "I'm not surprised to hear that acne can have such a profound effect on every aspect of someone's life. What is really sad about it is that acne for the majority of people is a treatable skin disorder, and having suffered with it myself, I really do feel that no one should just have to live with it. A good dermatologist can offer a large number of potential treatments that can be tailored to the individual. Unfortunately, the skin is such a visible organ, that it's only natural that self-esteem is so closely tied to it."

She added: "People do underestimate acne and the impact it has on those suffering with it. I think these results highlight that acne should be taken far more seriously. It is important to seek help and advice early before scarring (be that mental or physical) develops and request referral to a dermatologist if treatments aren't working. We also need to investigate the psychological burden of this further."

GP Sue Towers, who has an interest in skin conditions and is based at The Ridge medical practice in Great Horton, says while she is surprised that the survey figures are "shockingly high" she appreciates how the condition has a significant impact on sufferers' lives.

"Patients commonly tell us they are withdrawing a little bit, they may grow their hair longer to cover it a bit," says Sue, adding that younger sufferers in particular may feel they will be judged at interviews because of their skin condition.

Sue says often people think they will grow out of acne or try cosmetic washes rather than seeing their GP who can prescribe specific creams to treat it.

"We sometimes see people who I wish we had seen sooner," says Sue.

She say parents may feel their children will grow out of it, and that's it's just a natural part of adolescence, so don't feel it necessary to take them to the doctors. "But sometimes it does a lot of damage to the skin before it burns out and that is unfortunate because when the damage is done you can't do anything about it," adds Sue.

But even mild acne can impact on sufferers' lives. "It still affects their confidence," says Sue.

* For more information visit britishskinifoundation.org.uk