Adolescents' self perceived acne-related beliefs: from myth to science

Abstract Background: Acne vulgaris is recognized as the third most prevalent skin disease worldwide, with highest prevalence among adolescents. Beliefs and perceptions of adolescents about acne are incoherent in the literature. Objectives: To assess the most frequently reported acne-related beliefs in adolescents in order to focus on misconceptions and develop proper recommendations. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study on representative sample of 2516 schoolchildren was conducted in six randomly selected secondary schools in Belgrade, Serbia. Only schoolchildren with present or past acne history participated. Factors believed to aggravate or ameliorate acne were recorded and analyzed, and the comparisons between girls and boys were evaluated using Pearson's chi-squared test. Results: A total of 1452 schoolchildren with acne participated, aged 14-18 years, among them 801 (55.2%) girls and 651 (44.8%) boys. Boys significantly more frequently believed that sweating, exercise, and dairy foods aggravate acne, whereas girls significantly more frequently blamed emotional stress, sweets, fatty foods, sun, and lack of sleep. The top four amelioration factors were as follows: comedone extraction, healthy diet, sun exposure, and increased water consumption. Acne regression was more frequently perceived to be linked with cigarettes in boys, but with sun exposure and weight loss in girls. Study limitations: The narrow age span of adolescents (14-18 years) and exclusion of acne-free adolescents are limitations due to study design. Conclusion: This survey is part of the first epidemiological study on a representative sample in the Western Balkan region. The significance of the most frequent acne-related beliefs is discussed and myths about acne are highlighted.

Adult female acne: a guide to clinical practice

Abstract: Background: Acne in women is often associated with anxiety and depression, and may persist from adolescence as well as manifest for the first time in adulthood. Genetic and hormonal factors contribute to its etiopathogenesis, and maintenance treatment is required, usually for years, due to its clinical evolution. Objective: To develop a guide for the clinical practice of adult female acne. Methods: A team of five experts with extensive experience in acne conducted a literature review of the main scientific evidence and met to discuss the best practices and personal experiences to develop a guide containing recommendations for the clinical practice of adult female acne. Results: The group of specialists reached consensus on the main guidelines for clinical practice, providing detailed recommendations on clinical picture, etiopathogenesis, laboratory investigation and treatment of adult female acne. Conclusion: Different from teenage acne, adult female acne presents some characteristics and multiple etiopathogenic factors that make its management more complex. This guide provides recommendations for best clinical practices and therapeutic decisions. However, the authors consider that additional studies are needed in order to provide more evidence for adult female acne to be better understood.

Unilateral acne after facial palsy

Abstract: We describe a case of unilateral acne which appeared after an episode of facial nerve palsy. An 18-year-old female patient presented with papules and pustules predominantly located on the side where the facial paralysis occurred. The patient suffered right facial paralysis, which was treated with prednisone and kinesiotherapy with massages, electrostimulation, and infrared light. Two weeks later, acne lesions appeared in the area affected by the paralysis. As suggested in other cases of paralysis, including cases of Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury, an increased sebum excretion rate and the immobility of the affected area are most likely what caused the unilateral acne lesions.

Vitamin A and the eye: an old tale for modern times / A vitamina A e o olho: uma velha história em tempos modernos

ABSTRACT Clinical presentations associated with vitamin A deficiency persist in poor regions globally with the same clinical features as those described centuries ago. However, new forms of vitamin A deficiency affecting the eyes, which have become widespread, as a result of modern societal habits are of increasing concern. Ophthalmic conditions related to vitamin A deficiency require the combined attention of ophthalmologists, pediatricians, internists, dermatologists, and nutritionists due to their potential severity and the diversity of causes. As the eyes and their adnexa are particularly sensitive to vitamin A deficiency and excess, ocular disturbances are often early indicators of vitamin A imbalance. The present review describes the clinical manifestations of hypovitaminosis A with an emphasis on so-called modern dietary disorders and multidisciplinary treatment approaches. The present review also discusses the relationship between retinoic acid therapy and dry eye disease.

RESUMO As apresentações clínicas associadas à deficiência de vitamina A persistem em regiões pobres ao redor do mundo com os mesmos achados clínicos descritos há séculos. No entanto, novas formas de problemas causados pela vitamina A afetam os olhos, estão associados com os hábitos da sociedade moderna e tem causado preocupação. Eles exigem a atenção dos oftalmologistas, pediatras, internistas, dermatologistas e nutricionistas, devido à sua gravidade e diversidade de causas. Uma vez que os olhos e seus anexos são órgãos muito sensíveis à deficiência e excesso de vitamina A, manifestações oculares podem ser indicadores precoces do desequilíbrio de vitamina A. Essa revisão traz as manifestações clínicas de hipovitaminose A enfatizando os chamados distúrbios dietéticos modernos e formas de abordagem multidisciplinar. E também traz evidências sobre a relação entre a terapia com ácido retinóico e doença do olho seco.

Actualización del síndrome de ovario poliquístico y su importancia en dermatología / Update of polycystic ovary syndrome and its importance in dermatology

El Síndrome de Ovario Poliquístico es un trastorno endocrino común que afecta a mujeres en edad reproductiva que puede causar problemas metabólicos y deterioro psicosocial importante. Las manifestaciones dermatológicas más frecuentes del hiperandrogenismo incluyen acné, hirsutismo y alopecia, cuyo reconocimiento es esencial para hacer un diagnóstico precoz. Las modalidades de tratamiento incluyen terapia hormonal con el objetivo de modular la producción de andrógenos y su acción, así como tratamientos no hormonales dirigidos a condiciones dermatológicas específicas.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, which can cause metabolic, reproductive and psychosocial impairment. The most common skin manifestations of hyperandrogenism are acne, hirsutism and alopecia, whose recognition is essential for early diagnosis. There are several treatment modalities, including hormonal therapy in order to modulate androgen production and their effects, as well as other non hormonal treatments targeted to specific dermatologic conditions.

Incidence of acne vulgaris in young adult users of protein-calorie supplements in the city of João Pessoa - PB / Incidencia de acne vulgar em adultos jovens usuarios de suplementos proteico-caloricos na cidade de Joao Pessoa - PB

BACKGROUND: Based on personal observations of dermatologists, nutritionists and patients, a new problem emerges in the gyms: development and exacerbation of acne in users of whey protein, which is a protein derived from cow's milk. Whey Protein extract contains growth factors that may be related to acne. Its purity and composition are not fully known and there is no scientific research on its potential to cause acne. OBJECTIVES: Assess the relationship between the use of proteincalorie supplements and onset or exacerbation of acne vulgaris in young adults in the city of João Pessoa. METHODS: Descriptive observational study conducted in gyms and in a dermatology clinic. Each participant was examined for acne on three occasions and followed for 60 days. RESULTS: 30 patients were examined. Onset or exacerbation of acneiform lesions were observed (p <0.0005). The effect was more prominent in females and in individuals without current acne and no family history of acne. CONCLUSION: This study showed the onset of acne with the progressive use of protein-calorie supplementation, in a two-month period. It is suggested that this type of supplementation be discouraged. .

FUNDAMENTOS: Na observação pessoal de dermatologistas, nutricionistas e dos próprios pacientes, um novo problema emerge nas academias de ginástica: desenvolvimento e exacerbação da acne em usuários de Whey Protein, proteínas derivadas do leite de vaca. Extratos de Whey Protein contêm fatores de crescimento que podem estar relacionados com a acne. Sua pureza e composição não são completamente conhecidas e não há investigações científicas sobre seu potencial causador de acne. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre o uso de suplementos protéico-calóricos e o aparecimento ou agravamento da acne vulgar em adultos jovens em João Pessoa - PB. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional descritivo conduzido em academias de ginástica e em consultório de dermatologia. Cada participante foi examinado para acne em três ocasiões e acompanhado por 60 dias. RESULTADOS: Foram examinados 30 pacientes. Aparecimento ou exacerbação de lesões acneiformes foram observados (p<0,0005), sendo o efeito mais proeminente no sexo feminino e em indivíduos sem acne atual e sem história familiar de acne. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo demonstrou o aparecimento de lesões acneiformes com o uso progressivo de suplementos proteico calóricos, ao longo de dois meses. Sugere-se que o uso deste tipo de suplemento seja desestimulado. .

Síndrome de Cushing durante el embarazo: manifestaciones cutáneas secundarias a un tumor suprarrenal / Cushing's syndrome secondary to adrenal tumor during pregnancy

El síndrome de Cushing secundario a tumor suprarrenal es una patología infrecuente en el embarazo. Su presencia se traduce en un aumento significativo de la morbimortalidad materna y fetal. Muchas de sus características clínicas son enmascaradas por los cambios propios de una gestación fisiológica, lo que dificulta el diagnóstico. En este contexto las manifestaciones dermatológicas pueden ser de gran utilidad en la sospecha clínica precoz. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 26 años de edad que en el segundo trimestre de embarazo inicia un cuadro caracterizado por acné inflamatorio severo e hirsutismo. La gestación se interrumpe a las 35 semanas por síndrome hipertensivo del embarazo y rotura prematura de membranas. Durante el puerperio consulta al dermatólogo presentando aún las lesiones descritas, además de estrías violáceas gruesas en abdomen, facie de luna, obesidad centrípeta y máculas purpúricas en zonas de presión. Se diagnóstica síndrome de Cushing. El estudio confirmatorio y etiológico dirigido evidenció un adenoma de corteza suparrenal. El diagnóstico de laboratorio es difícil debido a los cambios físicos y de laboratorio habituales del embarazo que pueden mimetizar los hallazgos propios de la enfermedad. Los hallazgos dermatológicos pueden ser de gran valor para un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz. Las lesiones dermatológicas secundarias al hipercortisolismo fueron de difícil manejo...

Cushing's syndrome secondary to adrenal tumor is a rare pathology in pregnancy. Its presence results in a significant increase in maternal and fetal morbimortality. Many of its clinical features are masked by the typical changes of a physiological pregnancy, which make difficult the diagnosis. Indeed, skin manifestations may be useful in early clinical suspicion. We report a case of a 26 year old in the second trimester with severe inflammatory acne and hirsutism. The pregnancy is interrupted at 35 weeks for pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome and premature rupture ovular membranes. During the puerperium, patient consulted a dermatologist presenting still the injuries described, as well as thick purple striae throughout the abdomen, moon face, truncal obesity and purpuric macules in pressure zones. Cushing's syndrome is diagnosed. The study showed a cortex suprarenal adenoma. Laboratory diagnosis is difficult because the pregnancy physical changes and routine laboratory findings that can mimic the disease themselves. Dermatological findings may be valuable for diagnosis and early treatment. The skin lesions secondary to hypercortisolism were difficult to manage...

Testosterona falsamente elevada em uma paciente diabética tipo 1 com acne e insuficiência renal crônica em diálise / Falsely elevated testosterone in a type 1 diabetes patients with acne and chronic renal failure on dyalisis

Descrevemos uma paciente com diabetes tipo 1 com acne e insuficiência renal crônica, em diálise, que apresentou uma dosagem de testosterona total e livre elevada (612 ng/dL, normal < 90 ng/dL e 255 pMol/L, normal: 20-45 pMol/L, respectivamente). Na avaliação clínica, além da acne facial não havia qualquer outro sinal de hiperandrogenismo. Após ter esse resultado confirmado, ela foi submetida à avaliação morfológica de adrenal e ovários (tomografia computadorizada de adrenal e ultrassom pélvico), cujos resultados foram normais. Na ausência de quadro clínico de virilização, foram consideradas outras possibilidades que pudessem explicar a elevação da testosterona, entre as quais a presença de comorbidades (diabetes e insuficiência renal crônica) e falha do método de dosagem. Uma nova determinação da testosterona total, por meio da cromatografia líquida de alta performance como método preparativo e espectrometria de massa em tandem, resultou normal (21 ng/dL), compatível com uma concentração de testosterona total falsamente elevada pela presença de interferentes com o método de dosagem.

The purpose of this report is to present the case of a patient with type 1 diabetes with acne and chronic renal failure on dialysis admitted to the hospital with high total total and free testosterone (612 ng/dL, normal < 90 ng/dL; 255 pMol/L, normal: 20-45 pMol/L). On clinical evalua­tion, she presented facial acne, and no other signs of hyperandrogenism. As this result was confirmed, she underwent adrenal and ovary morphological assessment (adrenal CT and pelvic ultrasound), which yielded normal results. Due to divergence between clinical and laboratory findings, we considered other possibilities that could explain the elevation of testosterone, including the presence of comorbidities (diabetes and chronic renal failure) and failure of the testosterone assay. Testosterone levels were determined again by high performance liquid chromatography, as a preparative method, and tandem mass spectrometry, yielding normal results (21 ng/dL), which were compatible with a falsely elevated total testosterone level caused by the presence of factors that intereferred with the assay.

Acne juvenil / Juvenile acne

A acne juvenil é a doença dermatológica mais comum na adolescência, sendo considerada doença crônica, de caráter inflamatório, que acomete a estrutura pilossebácea. Pelas graves repercussões psicossociais que pode determinar no adolescente, não mais se admite seu entendimento como doença trivial e passageira e, portanto, não se justifica postergar o tratamento, submetendo o jovem ao risco de cicatrizes indeléveis. Aderência ao tratamento é o ponto chave na condução clínica do paciente e o abandono é o principal motivo de falha do tratamento. Neste artigo são revisados os conceitos sobre a etiopatogenia, apresentação clínica e aspectos terapêuticos da acne.

Síndrome do ovário policístico: abordagem dermatológica / Polycystic ovary syndrome: a dermatologic approach

A síndrome do ovário policístico (SOP) é uma das endocrinopatias mais freqüentes nas mulheres em idade reprodutiva. Caracteriza-se por morbidade elevada devido aos aspectos estéticos e por repercussões metabólicas importantes. Embora a sua patogênese permaneça incompletamente conhecida, acredita-se numa desordem multigênica complexa, incluindo anormalidades no eixo hipotálamohipofisário, esteroidogênese e resistência insulínica. Os achados principais para o diagnóstico são: hiperandrogenismo, anovulação crônica e ovários policísticos à ultrassonografia. As manifestações dermatológicas do hiperandrogenismo incluem: hirsutismo, acne, seborréia, alopecia e, em casos mais graves, sinais de virilização. Existe considerável heterogeneidade nos achados clínicos e também pode haver variação na mesma paciente com o passar do tempo. O tratamento visa reduzir as manifestações do hiperandrogenismo, restaurar os ciclos ovulatórios regulares e corrigir a síndrome metabólica. Este artigo apresenta revisão da fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome do ovário policístico. Enfatiza-se a importância do diagnóstico e tratamento precoces no intuito de prevenir as complicações metabólicas e a repercussão emocional que afeta a qualidade de vida das pacientes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (POS) is one of the most common endocrine abnormalities affecting women of reproductive age. It is a cause of significant social embarrassment and emotional distress. The pathogenesis of the disease is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to be a complex multigenic disorder, including abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, steroidogenesis, and insulin resistance. The main diagnostic findings of the syndrome are: hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology seen on ultrasound. Hyperandrogenism is generally manifested as hirsutism, acne, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia and, in severe cases, signs of virilization. Treatment may improve the clinical manifestations of excess androgen production, normalize menses and ameliorate metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications. This article reviews the diagnosis, clinical manifestations, metabolic complications, and treatment of the syndrome. Early diagnosis and the consequent early treatment may prevent metabolic complications and emotional distress that negatively impact the patients' quality of life.

Acne da mulher adulta: aspectos epidemiológicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos / Acne in adult women: epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects

FUNDAMENTOS: A acne da mulher adulta (AMA) é uma dermatose de incidência crescente; o hiperandrogenismo está presente em muitos casos, mas há pacientes sem anormalidades hormonais. OBJETIVO: Analisar as características prevalentes na mulher adulta com acne sem hiperandrogenismo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Um levantamento de 226 prontuários com queixa de AMA foi realizado; 116 pacientes (51,3 por cento) possuíam perfil hormonal normal e, portanto, foram incluídas no estudo. Foram pesquisados idade, etnia, perfil clínico da acne, exames complementares, tratamentos anteriores, tratamentos prescritos e evolução. RESULTADOS: A média das idades foi de 33,9 anos e o grau clínico predominante foi o inflamatório moderado (grau II); a face foi a área mais acometida. Os retinoides tópicos foram as drogas mais prescritas, e a medicação sistêmica foi indicada em 53,4 por cento das pacientes. A regressão total foi observada em 31 pacientes (26,7 por cento) até 12 semanas de tratamento. Houve reação adversa ao tratamento tópico em 21,5 por cento das pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: O quadro clínico da AMA em pacientes sem hiperandrogenismo é de moderada intensidade, com predomínio de lesões inflamatórias. Seu tratamento é similar ao da acne vulgar; entretanto, atenção especial deve ser tomada com medicações de maior potencial irritante, uma vez que esse grupo parece ter uma maior predisposição a irritações cutâneas.

BACKGROUND: Adult female acne (AFA) is a dermatosis of increasing incidence; hyperandrogenism is present in many cases, but there are patients without hormonal abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalent characteristics in adult women with acne without hyperandrogenism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey of 226 medical records with AFA complaints was conducted; of these, 116 (51.3 percent) had a normal hormonal profile and were, therefore, included in the study. We investigated age, ethnicity, clinical profile of acne, complementary exams, previous treatment, prescribed treatment and evolution. RESULTS: The mean age was 33.9 years and the predominant clinical grade of acne was moderate inflammatory (grade 2). The face was the most affected area. Topical retinoids were the most prescribed drugs, and systemic medication was prescribed to 53.4 percent of the patients. Total regression was observed in 31 patients (26.7 percent) within 12 weeks of treatment. Adverse reactions to topical treatment occurred in 21.5 percent of the patients. CONCLUSION: The clinical manifestations of AFA in patients without hyperandrogenism are moderate, with predominance of inflammatory lesions. Treatment is similar to that of acne vulgaris; however, special attention should be taken with more irritating medication since this group appears to be more predisposed to skin irritations.

Tratamento hormonal da acne baseado em evidências / Hormonal treatment of acne based on evidence

Este trabalho de revisão apresenta o tratamento hormonal da acne baseado em evidências. O trabalho resume a clínica, a classificação, a fisiopatologia e a etiologia da acne. A avaliação de estudos selecionados mostrou que o tratamento hormonal da acne deve ser complementado por tratamento cosmiátrico, e não está indicado para gestantes ou mulheres com planos de engravidar. A primeira escolha para esse tratamento são os contraceptivos hormonais orais, pois são efetivos e seguros para tratamento da acne e também para anticoncepção. Após tempo estabelecido, se o resultado for insatisfatório, outro medicamento, como acetato de ciproterona ou espironolactona, deve ser adicionado. A finasterida é o medicamento indicado para acne de origem idiopática, e a flutamida apresenta efeitos colaterais significativos, não constituindo indicação segura até o momento.

This review shows the hormonal treatment of acne. The review summarizes the clinical aspects, classification, physiopathology and etiology of the acne. The evaluation of selected papers showed that hormonal treatment of acne with hormones has to be complemented by esthetics treatment and is not prescribed for pregnant women or those who want to get pregnant. The first choice of treatment is the hormonal oral contraceptive one, because it is effective and safe for treatment of acne and also for contraception. After an established period with unsatisfactory results, other medicines, such as ciproterone acetate or spironolactone, can be added. The finasteride is prescribed for idiopathic acne and flutamide has many relevant side effects and is also not safe.

Acne e dieta: verdade ou mito?: [revisão] / Acne and diet: truth or myth?: [review]

Nos últimos 50 anos, foram publicados inúmeros estudos com a finalidade de comprovar se a dieta está relacionada à etiologia da acne. Embora existam estudos antigos, que são bem difundidos entre os dermatologistas e negam a associação entre acne e dieta, seu delineamento científico é pobre. Recentemente, novos artigos demonstraram evidências contrárias às publicações anteriores. Sendo assim, os autores realizaram esta revisão bibliográfica com o intuito de averiguar se a dieta influencia direta ou indiretamente um ou mais dos quatro pilares etiopatogênicos fundamentais da acne: (1) hiperproliferação dos queratinócitos basais, (2) aumento da produção sebácea, (3) colonização pelo Propionibacterium acnes e (4) inflamação.

Numerous studies were published over the last 50 years to investigate whether diet is associated with the etiology of acne. Although older studies well known by dermatologists that refute the association between acne and diet exist, their scientific foundation is weak. New articles have recently brought to light evidence contrary to previous findings. Therefore, we would like to investigate whether diet, directly or indirectly, influences one or more of the four fundamental etiopathogenic pillars of acne: (1) hyperproliferation of basal keratinocytes, (2) increase of sebaceous production, (3) colonization by Propionibacterium acnes, and (4) inflammation.

Changes in the hormone and lipid profile of obese adolescent Saudi females with acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease affecting a majority of the adolescent population. The objective of this study was to test for a correlation between fasting serum lipid profiles and levels of testosterone, insulin, leptin, and interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) and the incidence of severe acne vulgaris in obese adolescent females. Four groups of adolescent females were studied: obese with acne, obese without acne, non-obese with acne, and non-obese without acne. Obese females with acne, compared to obese females without acne and non-obese subjects, had significantly higher serum triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein-B (apo-B) (mean ± SD: 197 ± 13.7 vs 171 ± 11.5, 128 ± 8.3 vs 116 ± 7.7, 96 ± 13.7 vs 85 ± 10.3 mg/dL, respectively) but significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apo-A1 levels (40 ± 3.3 vs 33 ± 3.5 and 126 ± 12 vs 147 ± 13 mg/dL). Serum testosterone, insulin and leptin levels were significantly higher in obese subjects with or without acne compared to non-obese females with or without acne (3 ± 0.5 vs 2.1 ± 0.47, 15.5 ± 3.3 vs 11.6 ± 3, 0.9 ± 0.2 vs 0.6 ± 0.15 nmol/mL, respectively). Serum IL-1b was significantly elevated in obese and non-obese subjects with acne compared to subjects without acne; in those without acne, these levels were higher in obese than non-obese subjects (2.4 ± 0.2, 1.4 ± 0.1 vs 1.8 ± 0.12 and 1.3 ± 0.11 pg/mL, respectively). Our results indicate that there is a relationship between obesity (BMI >27) and acne. By early recognition, the etiology and treatment protocol of acne may prevent unwanted conditions.