DEAR DEIDRE: EVEN though I’m no longer a teenager, I still have severe acne and it’s making my life a misery.
I was called “pizza face” at school and it left me with low self-esteem. I’ve never had a girlfriend and fear no woman will ever fancy me.
I’m 24 and work as a postman. My skin problems started when I was 14.
Since then, I’ve tried skin creams, antibiotics and prescription medication but nothing works long term.
At school, kids treated me like I had the plague, even though I told them acne isn’t infectious, and I felt dirty and ugly.
I’ve never had the confidence to chat a girl up. Why would anyone want to kiss me when my face is red and covered in lumpy spots?
People say the right woman will see beyond my skin but I don’t believe them.
This is making me feel very depressed and hopeless. Please help.
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DEIDRE SAYS: Being bullied as a teenager can have long-lasting effects.
But I’d wager that it’s your lack of confidence, rather than your skin, that’s making it hard to find love.
Acne often does improve in your mid-twenties, as it’s linked with hormones. But a minority of people do suffer as adults.
Ask your GP if there’s treatment you haven’t tried. And see my support pack, Long For Clear Skin? for more information and people you can talk to.
As for your confidence issues, read Raising Self-esteem for more advice.