by Admin
We all have phases in our lives where hormonal imbalance takes over and causes our bodies to go haywire. Puberty, menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy create changes in our systems that cause hormones to fluctuate. This is all totally natural. Once you understand how the hormonal process relates to acne, you can identify changes you can make with your physician to take control.
The Hormonal Process
It is the male hormone androgen, which triggers acne. The increase in hormones, such as testosterone, is a catalyst for sebum production in the sebaceous glands. Sebum is an oily-like substance which results. When oil production in hair follicles of the skin escalates, pimples, blackheads, and acne emerge.
The Female Perspective
Hormone-related acne is more common in women since they experience more cycles and hormonal changes throughout their lives. It is very natural for women to experience hormonal ups and downs because of their monthly menstrual cycles. Under physician recommendation, some women opt to take birth control pills to regulate hormonal balance and decrease acne breakouts.
Controlling Hormones
Low-dose birth control pills help control androgen that is produced in the ovaries. Low-dose steroids reduce the amount of androgen released by adrenal glands. Through balancing hormones, physicians attempt to reduce the secretion of sebum and keep the sebaceous glands from getting clogged.
by fut
Yes, we all know acne can make you angry, sometimes even miserable, but does being prone to anger make you more prone to acne? Although there have been some studies on the psychological impact of acne, little research has been done on the interaction between what psychologists term trait anger and acne. Trait anger is the tendency to become angry easily and frequently; it is part of what is sometimes called the type A personality.
Trait Anger’s Implications
Trait anger has been linked hypertension, heart disease and other health problems. This association has led some researchers to theorize that trait anger might also be linked to acne. Researcher D. A. Rapp and his colleagues theorized that trait anger might be linked to acne severity, patients’ skin-related quality of life, and patients’ compliance with and satisfaction with treatment. In 2004, Rapp studied nearly 500 acne patients to determine trait anger’s relationship to acne.
According to their expectations, Rapp and his colleagues found that trait anger did have a negative impact on a patient’s perceived quality of life, as well as on the patient’s satisfaction with treatment. Rapp did not find a strong association between the clinical severity of a patient’s acne and their level of anger, but he notes that further studies directed solely at this one factor are needed.
Implications for Practitioners Treating Acne
Because of the strong association between trait anger and patient’s quality of life and satisfaction with treatment, Rapp recommends that practitioners treating acne should try to assess the psychological impact the condition has on their patients. Practitioners should inquire how acne affects the patient’s life, validate the patient’s feelings about the problem, offer ideas for dealing with the negative impact of acne, and continue to monitor the patient’s quality of life during the course of treatment. Such practices would go a long way in improving the doctor-patient relationship. The emerging field of dermapsychology, in which dermatologists and psychologists work together for a healthy outcome for the patient, is based upon such practices, along with the realization that whatever its relationship to trait anger, acne can definitely lead to depression and lower self-esteem.
Given the recent studies showing the link between acne and stress, it would not surprise me if future studies find a definite link between trait anger and severity of acne. I have long been convinced of the link between physical and emotional health.
Realistic Implications
We all know that hormones effect acne. Stress, including anger, can effect your hormones, stimulating excess sebum production. The low down is, try a stress free lifestyle to help improve your acne.
Source
Rapp, D.A., et al. “Anger and Acne: Implications for Quality of Life, Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Care” British Journal of Dermatology 151 (1): 183-189, 2004. http://medscape.com/viewarticle/484747
