"Feeling like a second-class citizen": Exploring the impact, self-management and existing support for adults living with acne and/or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring.

Abstract

This article investigates how living with, and self-managing, acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring impacts adults living with these conditions. Eight adults took part in individual qualitative interviews. Framework analysis generated 4 themes; (1) Acne Blame, (2) The business of skinfluencers, (3) Control at any cost and (4) It’s your hormones. Those with acne and PIH&S are currently underserved by dermatology and psychodermatology provision, and additional funding and research is needed to provide psychological and self-management support for this group.