Largest Survey of its Kind Reveals the Truth About Negative Perceptions of Teenagers With Acne

HARROGATE, England, March 30, 2011 - The largest survey of its kind in the UK provides a valuable insight into
just how teenagers and parents perceive teenagers with acne. The survey
report publication coincides with the launch of a new website,
www.acneacademy.org which will provide invaluable support to acne
sufferers and their families. The results of the survey confirm that
teenagers with acne are consistently perceived very differently as compared
to teenagers without acne. Respondents generally felt that teenagers with
acne would be less sociable and less successful. Teenagers with acne
suggested that they would offer a lot in return for not having acne; one in
two teenagers would stay off facebook for a year if they could get rid of
their acne forever! In addition, over a quarter of teens with acne would
refuse to have their picture taken and a fifth have untagged photos of
themselves on Facebook, while around 15% have airbrushed their image to make
sure their acne isn't visible in photos.

"I would even take my mum as my date to the end of year school
ball if it meant that my acne would be gone forever!" - Teenager.

The survey also revealed that 70% of teenagers with acne have not sought
medical advice, yet interestingly of the 30% who had sought medical advice,
91% noticed an improvement to their skin after using a prescription medicine.
Results indicated:

- That teenagers with acne are perceived less favourably than clear skin
teens by both teens and adults and demonstrates how acne may impact tee's'
opportunities for advancing socially and academically - That many parents
appear to have misguided perceptions regarding the extent to which teens are
affected by their acne - Living in the digital era of instant photography
uploads and social networking could be making the issue of acne so much worse
for today's teenagers than previous generations

- That the single biggest issue in the majority of teenagers' lives is
their appearance, well ahead of issues to do with their social life and
education - A solid opinion amongst teenagers that their acne was not serious
enough to warrant the doctors time - And finally, the panel was surprised
that so few seek treatment when there are so many effective treatments for
acne, especially given the risk of scarring in serious acne when left
untreated

"Acne affects almost 80% of adolescents and young adults aged 11 to 30
and can have a major impact on the lives of those affected. It is eminently
treatable and I would positively encourage people to seek help from their GP.
There is better use of existing treatments and new treatments coming onto the
market all the time which work quickly to start clearing the spots associated
with acne." Dr Stephen Kownacki, GP Representative for the Acne Academy and
Executive Chairman of the Primary Care Dermatology Society.

Teenagers and young adults are the age group most commonly affected by
acne and the effects of having acne can be very distressing, leaving a
negative effect on people's lives. Despite the high incidence of acne little
research has been conducted to examine the perceptions of both teenagers and
parents of teenagers with acne.

"As Dermatologists we can control and manage acne effectively. Successful
and early treatment will result in improved patient satisfaction, confidence
and overall psychological wellbeing." Dr Alison Layton, Consultant
Dermatologist and Chair of the Acne Academy.

For Media Enquiries: For interviews with our Expert Panel, Patient Case Studies or further
information:- Please contact Cerys Evans on +44(0)1707-226-023 or
+44(0)7775-993-504 or email cerys at signaturecomms.com