In a survey administered to patients with acne, the vast majority of respondents reported receiving unsolicited advice from others, but they also indicated that they were dissatisfied with information from their health care provider (HCP). The results were shared in a poster presentation at Maui Derm Connect.
Tan et al administered online surveys between July 1 and July 12, 2019, by email invitation to a sample representative of the United States. One survey was administered to the general population who were at least age 14 years (N=2000). The other survey was administered to participants (N=1000) who were aged 14 to 26 years and who indicated they had moderate or severe acne or acne scarring.
In the general population survey, half of participants were shown a set of images of persons with acne and the other half saw a set of images without acne. They were asked to rate the images on a seven-point scale, with one meaning extremely healthy to 7 meaning extremely unhealthy (4 = neither attractive nor unattractive). A majority of the general population perceived the images of a woman without acne to be more healthy, attractive, and successful than images with acne (63% vs 27%, 70% vs 49%v 52% vs 32%, respectively). The general population respondents also indicated that that people with acne have poor hygiene (24%).
For the survey of people with acne, many stated that they experience additional burdens due to their acne and/or acne scarring. In particular, when experiencing a flare-up, 72% reported feeling unhappy; in contrast, when they do not have an active flare, only 15% reported feeling unhappy. Further, 61% indicated feeling not as productive with an acne flare or that they were treated differently by others with an acne flare-up.
The majority of respondents in the acne population (92%) stated that they received unsolicited advice regarding their acne. An additional 39% of the general population admitted to providing unsolicited advice at least once. The most common suggestion from the general population was to see a doctor (47%).
Among the 742 (74%) of patients who sought professional help for their acne, 72% consulted with a dermatologist. In addition, 46% also saw their primary care physician, 23% saw a therapist/psychiatrist, 10% saw an aesthetician, and 1% saw other HCPs. The overwhelming majority (94%) said they were unsatisfied with the information received during consultation with the HCP, most often citing that they would have liked more information on
- Available treatment options (46%)
- How different skin types handle acne and acne scarring (44%)
- Triggers of acne and acne scarring (44%)
- How to determine the severity of their acne and acne scarring (43%)
- Nonmedication treatment options (39%)
The other 26% of the acne population had never consulted with a HCP regarding their acne, and 36% had never received a prescription for their acne.
In summary, the authors wrote, both populations lack information on acne, and patients with acne often feel dissatisfied with the information provided by HCPs. “People with acne should be directed to [HCPs] equipped to provide comprehensive information explaining the condition, severity determination, and treatment options,” concluded the authors.
Reference
Tan J, Chien AL, York JP, Layton AM. Understanding concerns and expectations of acne respondents to improve management of the disease: results of two large, online surveys in the United States of America. Poster presented at: Maui Derm Connect; January 25-29, 2021; Maui, HI.
