April 29, 2002 -- Greg Estrada founded the Washington, D.C. based Acne Scar Support Group for a reason that hit close to home: "My ex-girlfriend and I both have acne scars but we launched the group in October because we had just found out about her college friend who took her life at 22 a few months after graduation, because she was having trouble finding a job and blamed it on her acne scarring. She was pursuing a career in law, and she was convinced her scarring was why she was not getting hired."

And at a recent conference given by the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr. Allison T. Vidimos agreed that acne and the sometimes accompanying scarring can "have a devastating effect on self esteem because it is so noticeable…young adults who have acne often feel isolated and self conscious."

Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting more than 17 million adults. According to a national consumer attitude survey, many people think acne is caused by diet, oily hair or failing to wash the face enough. In fact, hormonal imbalances and changes, stress and heredity are the major contributors to acne. (see part one of this series for a rundown on what causes acne). Even when the pimples are gone, the acne scarring that is left behind can have devastating effects on many people.

"Frankly", says Estrada, whose group meets in restaurants where the lighting is soft so as not to expose the scars too much, "I am surprised there aren't more suicides by people with acne scarring. If a person scarred badly by acne tells you they've never seriously contemplated suicide as a 'solution', they’re lying."

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