Clear Up Depression

Zits. The very word conjures up painful images of adolescence.
Unfortunately, though, acne can persist into adulthood -- and pose a
lasting and serious concern.

According to a study published in the British Journal of
Dermatology, acne and depression often go hand-in-hand. Psychiatrist
Madhulika A. Gupta, Ph.D., a professor at The University of Western
Ontario in London, tested patients suffering from acne, hair loss, eczema
or psoriasis for depression. He found the highest levels of depression in
those with severe psoriasis, but patients with mild to moderate acne had
the second highest levels -- and both were in range of clinical
depression.

"Even mild acne can be very distressing because it's occurring when
body image becomes very important," Gupta explains. He believes that acne
worsens as depression does, and "while a clinically depressed state may
predispose a person to develop acne, having acne alone contributes to
depression." Gupta also warns parents to be aware of the possible
psychological effects of their child's acne, as it develops at a stage
where the incidence of depression is already high. The good news:
Acne-related depression improves as acne treatment progresses.