Acne, self-esteem, and mental health: a scoping review

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases worldwide, with a prevalence ranging from 20-95%. Given the effect of acne on one's psychological well-being, investigating this relationship is important. This review aims to synthesize the main findings on the relationship between acne, self-esteem, and mental health. The SciELO, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA protocol and Rayyan tool for the selection and inclusion of studies. The terms used in the electronic search were 'acne' and 'self-esteem'. After reading the abstracts and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 studies were selected for quantitative synthesis. The findings of this study indicate that patients with acne experience more mental health disorders, with their subjective perceptions linked to depression, anxiety, and incapacity. Females tend to have lower self-esteem, and their assessments vary depending on the evaluation method used. These results clarify the relationship between acne, self-esteem, and mental health. Furthermore, they provide evidence of factors that increase vulnerability to psychological impacts associated with acne. In conclusion, the literature emphasizes the importance of ongoing research on acne, its impact on self-esteem, and its relationship with other psychological dimensions. While acne is not lethal, it can be disabling, lead to suffering, and negatively affect daily functioning. Effective treatment of this condition requires an integrated approach that combines medical and psychological care.