Acne scars in 18-year-old male adolescents: a population-based study of prevalence and associated factors
An. bras. dermatol
;
91(3): 291-295, tab, graf
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-787303
ABSTRACT
Abstract Background:
Acne vulgaris is a pilosebaceous follicle disorder affecting over 85% of adolescents to some degree. It frequently causes psychological distress that may persist into adulthood due to scarring. Little information about post-acne scarring epidemiology is available.Objectives:
To describe prevalence, distribution patterns and associated factors of acne scarring in young males, drawing on a representative population sample from a southern Brazilian city.Methods:
A cross-sectional study was undertaken during presentation for military service, which is compulsory for all 18-year-old males. A questionnaire was applied, covering topics like diet, smoking habits, ethnicity, family structure, socio-economic level, as well as specific questions about active acne and resulting scars. Dermatologists conducted the clinical examination.Results:
A total of 2,201 male adolescents were interviewed and examined. The overall prevalence of acne scarring was 22%. The malar region was the most frequently involved, present in 80% of affected individuals, followed by the frontal region (31.5%), back (17%), anterior chest (8.2%) and mentonian region (6.4%). Correlation between the intensity of clinical acne and the presence of scars was found, but no association was observed with educational level, smoking, ethnicity, obesity or socio-economic status.Conclusions:
There is a high prevalence of acne scars among this population. This is the first study to ascertain a correlation between acne scarring and factors such as socio-economic status and educational level. The direct relation between acne severity and scarring indicates that prompt and effective treatment is the best way to reduce scarring.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Cicatrix
/
Acne Vulgaris
Type of study:
Etiology study
/
Observational study
/
Prevalence study
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Brazil
Language:
English
Journal:
An. bras. dermatol
Journal subject:
Dermatology
Year:
2016
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidade Católica de Pelotas/BR
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