The British Skin Foundation’s recent acne survey has found that more than half of acne sufferers (56.8 per cent) have experienced verbal abuse from friends, family and other people they know due to their skin condition.

The British Skin Foundation Acne Survey 2014-2015, which had 2,299 respondents, highlights the emotional impact of the prominent skin condition – for example its effect on a person’s self-esteem and confidence.

Although 95 per cent of acne sufferers said acne had an impact on their daily life, it is not clear how the results of the survey were verified. One statistic that is particularly hard to judge is that just over 10 per cent of people have been unfairly dismissed at work due to their acne. Unless explicit references to acne were given to employees during their dismissal, this 10 per cent of respondents may have confused the reason for the termination of their employment.

Similarly, nearly 20 per cent of respondents have had a relationship that has ended due to their acne, they believe.

Meanwhile, almost one third of acne sufferers were not offered satisfactory treatment by a member of the medical profession, according to the results.

Consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, Dr Anjali Mahto, said the psychological burden of this skin disease must be investigated further.