Eliseo Martínez-García, Salvador Arias-Santiago, Enrique Herrera-Acosta, Andrew Affleck, Enrique Herrera-Ceballos, Agustin Buendía-Eisman
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3636

The aim of this study was to analyse the levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life of individuals living with acne patients (cohabitants). The study included patients, cohabitants, and controls; a total of 204 participants. Patients’ health-related quality of life was measured with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), while cohabitants’ quality of life was measured with the Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI). The psychological state of all participants was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Presence of acne impaired the quality of life of 89.4% of the cohabitants. The FDLQI scores of cohabitants were significantly associated with the DLQI scores of the patients (rp = 0.294; p = 0.044). Anxiety and depression levels in cohabitants were significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.01). In conclusion, acne may have a negative impact on quality of life and psychological well-being of patients and their cohabitants.

Acne is a prevalent condition, which may impact on patients’ quality of life and psychological health. This study investigated whether acne also affects the well-being of persons living with these patients. The results showed that the quality of life and depression level of patients are closely associated with those of their cohabitants. Most cohabitants (87.1%) declared some impairment in their quality of life. Therefore, in the management of patients with acne, dermatologists should take into consideration not only the clinical severity of the skin condition, but the impact of this disease on the well-being of the patients and their cohabitants.