Interviews Reveal Mental Health and Social Toll of Acne Dyspigmentation

Acne-induced macular dyspigmentation causes substantial negative effects on mental health, social functioning, and quality of life, according to a qualitative interview study published in Archives of Dermatological Research. In addition, treatment experiences were marked by frustration, with many participants describing the marks as more difficult to treat than acne itself.

To explore the lived experience of acne-induced macular dyspigmentation—a common, distressing, and potentially long-lasting sequela of acne that disproportionately affects individuals with darker skin types—researchers conducted semi-structured interviews. The study recruited 18 individuals aged 12 to 45 from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital. The participants had a mean age of 25.9 years (standard deviation 8.9, range 14 to 43), with 14 identifying as female (78%), 7 as Asian (39%), 5 as Black (28%), and 4 as White (22%). All interview transcripts were independently reviewed and coded by two reviewers.

Based on the negative effects reported across psychological well-being and social functioning, the authors emphasized the need for effective clinical treatments as well as dyspigmentation-specific outcome measures.

Subject of Research: Psychosocial impact and lived experience of acne-induced macular dyspigmentation

Article Title: Patient perspectives on the lived experience of acne-associated dyspigmentation: a qualitative interview study

Article References: Ershadi, S., Acevedo-Fontanez, L. A., Cheng, D., Lee, S., Klassen, A. F., Pusic, A. L., Tan, J., Theodosakis, N., & Barbieri, J. S. (2026). Patient perspectives on the lived experience of acne-associated dyspigmentation: a qualitative interview study. Archives of Dermatological Research, 318(1), Article 555. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-026-05030-7

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s00403-026-05030-7

Keywords: acne, macular dyspigmentation, dermatology, mental health, social functioning, quality of life, qualitative research, Patient, perspectives, lived, experience, acne-associated