A Comprehensive Approach to Treating Acne in Adolescents

Introduction

This article researches the efficacy of a comprehensive approach to treating acne, accompanied by depressive states, in teenagers. The aim of the research was to assess the collaborative work of a dermatologist, a cosmetologist and a psychologist when treating this medical condition that causes both physiological effects and considerable psychological implications for teenagers. Frequent depressions and decrease in self-esteem, caused by skin conditions, can substantially worsen patients’ conditions.

This, in turn, urges the need to devise an approach that would cover both physical and psycho-emotional well-being. This study applies a comprehensive approach that requires the use of medical, cosmetological and psychotherapeutic methods. Additionally, clinical case analysis, reviews of contemporary scientific literature and interviewing patients were used to assess treatment results. Proposed methodology compares the efficacy of standard conventional strategies to a comprehensive approach that involves the collaborative work of specialists from various areas, namely dermatology, esthetician (cosmetology) and psychology in the treatment of this condition. Obtained results may form the basis for creating contemporary treatment methods of acne and other dermatoses in teenagers with consideration of psycho-emotional aspects.

Results and Comparison of Approach Effectiveness

Thus, the analysis of research carried out clearly indicates that despite the delay in starting therapy in patients from subgroups 1B and 2B, they achieved much better clinical outcomes in comparison with subgroups 1A and 2A. This demonstrated the importance of prior psychological preparation and proper cosmetic care, which provided teenagers from subgroups 1B and 2B with the necessary psycho-emotional state that ensured efficacy and the completion of the full course of treatment. Psychotherapy sessions, conducted during the initial stages of therapy, helped to avoid negative response to acne exacerbations, which are a common occurrence at the beginning of medication therapy. In the course of standard conventional treatment, which was applied in subgroups 1A and 2A, exacerbations, commonly observed during the use of topical medications, was viewed as a confirmation of treatment inefficacy. This contributed to emotional stress and decrease in motivation to adhere to therapeutic recommendations, as patients had expected immediate improvement in skin condition. The above mentioned changes dramatically increased patients’ anxiety and depression levels consequently worsening their attitude towards the treatment and increasing disbelief in achieving desired outcomes. In other words, the lack of psychological support in subgroups 1A and 2A was one of key factors that inhibited the process of achieving desired outcomes of standard therapy. Without proper psychological preparation teenagers had difficulties in accepting the need for prolonged treatment and adjusting to the changes in their skin condition. The lack of psychological support also substantially hindered the interaction between teenagers and doctors, which ultimately might have resulted in failure to follow the recommendations and delay in achieving therapeutic results, or even in premature termination of the therapy altogether. On the other hand, psychological support, provided to subgroups 1B and 2B, significantly raised the levels of awareness and confidence in the treatment process. The teenagers who had undergone therapy sessions prior to medical treatment, were better prepared for possible exacerbations and changes in skin condition at the beginning of the therapy, due to increased awareness on the subject of potential temporary negative effects. It helped them maintain a positive attitude towards treatment and strictly adhere to doctors’ recommendations. Hence, psychological support became a major factor, which considerably lowered the levels of stress and emotional load and promoted better compliance with all the necessary measures, leading to the achievement of more successful clinical outcomes in comparison to the patients from subgroups 1A and 2A.

Conclusions on the Feasibility of Comprehensive Approach

The research clearly demonstrates a high efficacy level of comprehensive approach that incorporates collaborative work of different specialists, in particular, a dermatologist, a cosmetologist and a psychologist, into the treatment of teenagers with moderate and severe acne. Such a multidisciplinary approach considerably enhances the outcomes of treatment, as each specialist makes a unique contribution into the therapy process, assuring comprehensive support for the patient. Psychotherapy sessions have a particular significance in a comprehensive approach, as they provide teenagers with a better understanding of their condition, letting them understand the stages and the importance of prolonged treatment. Psychological support helps to emotionally prepare for the treatment, which makes it possible for teenagers to handle temporary exacerbations and unpredictable changes in their condition in the initial stages of therapy better. A psychologist helps patients form an adequate perception of this medical condition, thus minimizing the level of anxiety and stress arising from it. Teenagers from subgroups 1B and 2B, who had regular psychotherapy sessions, demonstrated much better dynamics of the treatment process in contrast to the teenagers from subgroups 1A and 2A, where only standard dermatological treatment was applied. Psychological preparation on the initial stage of treatment, alongside with constant support throughout the therapy, let teenagers from subgroups 1B and 2B better adapt to the treatment and considerably lowered emotional load, which often leads to violations of treatment regimen and refusal of therapy. This emphasizes the feasibility to expand therapeutic arsenal when treating acne in teenagers by involving specialists from related fields. Comprehensive approach, which combines dermatological treatment, psychological support and skincare as recommended by a cosmetologist, does not only promote better outcomes, but also lowers patients’ stress levels. This, in turn, improves the interaction between a patient and a doctor, increases motivation to undergo a treatment and generally promotes a much more effective process and completion of the therapy. The results of this research may constitute the basis for the implementation of such a comprehensive approach into clinical practice when treating acne in teenagers, given the obvious advantage in comparison with standard approaches.