Objective: Having acne vulgaris may affect the way adolescents perceive themselves. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the body image perception and self-esteem of the adolescents with acne vulgaris.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive-correlative study was conducted in 173 high school students in a subdistrict in Indonesia. We used the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scale to measure body image and the Coppersmith Self-Esteem Inventory to assess the self-esteem of the adolescents. The relationship between two variables was analysed using chi-square test.

Results: There was a significant relationship between body image perception and self-esteem of the adolescents with acne vulgaris in this study (p = 0.000). Nurses should deliver health education containing the major concerns of the adolescents, such as acne vulgaris, to promote positive body image and self-esteem among adolescents.

Keywords: adolescents, acne vulgaris, body image, self-esteem