DIET & NUTRITION 
PATIENT EDUCATION 
OBESITY/WEIGHT MANAGEMENT 
EXERCISE/TRAINING 
LEGAL MATTERS 
GUIDELINES/RECOMMENDATIONS ⚠️ Small Study / Early Comparative Evidence
Acne is associated with psychosocial distress, impaired self-image, and reduced quality of life among young adults. In this small observational study, both clinical severity and quality-of-life measures improved after treatment, but changes in the two outcomes were not significantly associated.
Clinical Considerations
- 16 participants completed baseline and 8-week follow-up assessments using validated GAGS and DLQI instruments.
- Mean DLQI scores improved by 2.94 points while GAGS scores improved by 7 points over treatment.
- Correlation between acne improvement and quality-of-life improvement was not significant (r=0.08; P=0.768).
- Findings suggest psychosocial wellbeing may improve independently of visible lesion reduction.
Practice Applications
- Recognize acne’s psychosocial burden regardless of clinical severity.
- Integrate patient-reported outcome measures into routine acne follow-up.
- Monitor emotional wellbeing alongside objective treatment response.
- Interpret treatment success using both clinical and patient-centered outcomes.
