With Finals Looming, Counselors Urge Students to Focus on Grades, not Pimples
ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Nov 13, 2003--According to a recent study, the stress of exam time can bring on an added distraction for college students facing finals � a face full of pimples. With this in mind, the American Counseling Association (ACA) is urging students to focus on hitting the books and not let an acne breakout impact their academic success.
``Stress and acne have been anecdotally linked, and unfortunately the majority of college students experience both,`` reports Alexa B. Kimball, M.D., director of clinical trials, Department of Dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine. ``Our study confirms that stress, specifically during exam time, can significantly increase the severity of existing acne for students.``
In the study recently published in the Archives of Dermatology, Dr. Kimball and colleagues tracked the stress and acne levels of 22 university students during non-examination and examination periods of a college semester. After adjusting for changing eating and sleeping habits, researchers uncovered a strong correlation between an increase in exam-related stress and progressive increase in acne severity.
Further complicating the problem, research has shown that acne can negatively impact a student�s self-esteem and affect academic achievement. But the ACA advises students not to let self-consciousness over a temporary condition distract from their studies.
``College students have a lot of things on their minds, especially during exam time, and anxiety over acne shouldn`t be one of them,`` said Jane Goodman, Ph.D., past-president of the ACA and professor, Department of Counseling, School of Education and Human Services at Oakland University. ``Effective treatment options are available to help clear up acne, but clearing up the long-term effect of bad grades on your transcript won`t be as easy. If acne is really troubling you, seek a doctor`s care, so you can focus on your future.``
Seeking Treatment
Over-the-counter medications may work for mild cases of acne, but more difficult cases usually require prescription antibiotics, both topical and oral, that are available only through a physician.
One topical medication that has been shown to treat acne rapidly is BenzaClin (TM). BenzaClin combines clindamycin, the most widely prescribed topical antibiotic for acne, with the antimicrobial benzoyl peroxide, the most frequently used topical preparation for the treatment of acne, in one easy-to-use gel. Clindamycin acts to destroy acne-causing bacteria on the skin while benzoyl peroxide fights bacterial resistance. BenzaClin is applied twice a day, morning and evening, and conveniently for college students, requires no refrigeration. In studies, the most frequently reported side effect was dry skin. If side effects are seen, consult with your healthcare professional.
The Truth About Acne
Acne is the most commonly diagnosed skin disorder in the U.S. and is most prevalent in the teenage population. Approximately 85 percent of people ages 12 to 25 have an occasional pimple, regardless of race or ethnic background.(1) By their mid-teens, however, more than 40 percent of adolescents have acne severe enough to require medical treatment by a physician.(2)
As early as 1948, studies showed that acne can negatively impact a person�s social, academic and employment status. The psychosocial effects of the condition may include low self-esteem and self-confidence, negative body image, anger, embarrassment leading to social withdrawal and lifestyle limitations. Newer research shows that even mild cases of acne can be associated with symptoms of depression.
About The American Counseling Association
Founded in 1952, the American Counseling Association (ACA) is the world`s largest private nonprofit organization for professional counselors. Dedicated to promoting public confidence and trust in the counseling profession, ACA serves more than 50,000 members in the United States and 50 other countries by providing leadership training, continuing education and advocacy services. For more information on ACA, visit its main Web sihttps://ttp://www.counseling.org.
About Dermik
Dermik Laboratories, based in Berwyn, PA, specializes in prescription treatments for skin and nail disorders and is committed to educating the public about skin care.
# # #
The American Counseling Association does not explicitly or implicitly endorse any product for treatment of acne.
(1) Carr E, Shalita A. Acne � The most common skin problem. American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Deep Feature.
(2) AcneNet. American Academy of Dermatology, available fhttps://:http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/whogets.html
|
