Factors affecting the patient's response to acne:
(1) severity of acne
(2) extent of involvement
(3) duration
(4) disfigurement from scarring
(5) underlying conditions contributing to making acne worse (puberty, other hormones, etc)
(6) real or imagined need for a perfect appearance
Parameters impacting the quality of life:
(1) emotional and psychological response
(2) social impact
(3) economic impact
(4) physical consequences
Emotional and psychological response:
(1) depression
(2) feelings of shame, stigma or low self-esteem/self-image
Social impact:
(1) withdrawal or avoidance with social isolation during an outbreak
(2) negative response from peers or intimates
Economic impact:
(1) money spent on prevention and cure
(2) inability to work
Physical consequences:
(1) pain
(2) loss of energy
