Facing up to acne misery

Jun 14 2009 by Philippa Tomson

IN my early twenties I succumbed to a bad bout of acne.

You might be surprised to hear me admit this. I work in a visual medium and it’s probably not wise to discuss my physical flaws, but what the heck.

It’s not even something I like reliving as it was a particularly unhappy period of my life. But I’m writing about the pain behind my smile after seeing some particularly spiteful pictures printed these last few days.

I’m not a fan of hers, I don’t like her public image, but my sympathies went out to Victoria Beckham being photographed with a few zits last week.

It’s well known that Mrs Beckham has, like me, suffered from acne, but is it really necessary for the Daily Mail to run a photograph of her with the headline "Spotty Spice"?

When I turned 21, I went through a really bad patch with my skin.

I have vivid memories of holidaying in Florida and a complete stranger commenting on my skin from behind the shop counter.

She was speaking out of sympathy, of course, and suggesting what treatments I could try but I was mortified.

I spent the rest of the holiday sunbathing by the pool in full make-up and big sunglasses. Anything to hide my skin.

Make-up didn’t really hide the imperfections, in fact it made it worse.

I tried growing my hair longer, speaking to people from behind a curtain and I rapidly lost my confidence. Lucky I wasn’t working in television at the time, so at least thousands of people weren’t scrutinising my face.

Eventually, I was referred to a dermatologist who prescribed me the controversial drug Roaccutane.

It’s associated with possible side-effects, including depression, suicidal feelings, mood swings and dry lips and eyes. But as far as I was concerned I was depressed already so nothing could make my mood worse.

After six months, my skin transformed and the side-effects were minimal. I’m not suggesting it should be prescribed to every acne sufferer as it really is a last resort, but my skin has been clear ever since.

I still get the odd spot but who doesn’t? And I still worry about returning to the old days if I don’t follow a strict cleansing regime.

A fellow television presenter once remarked on my single solitary spot just after I came off air. She of the "perfect skin" brigade.

This colleague didn’t even comment to me in private but blurted it out in the newsroom.

I can only guess she had her nose pressed to the television screen – it wasn’t a huge spot but her sharp observation ruined my day.

I’m not Victoria Beckham’s biggest fan but we’ve got something in common. I know she courts the media but does she deserve to be scrutinised in this cruel fashion?

Acne is a confidence-wrecking, depression-inducing condition. The ravenous Press probably have no idea about the pain behind her pouts.