The impact of using the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device on the incidence of acne in adolescents and young women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) use on the incidence of acne in adolescents and young women. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and SciELO assessing the incidence of acne in adolescents and young women using LNG-IUD (13.5, or 19.5 mg, or 52 mg). Cohort, cross-sectional studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses were included, without a date limit. Studies that didn't evaluate women in the age of interest were excluded. Only articles in English were selected. RESULTS: Nine articles were included in this narrative review. Only clinical trials, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies were evaluated. Two cross-sectional studies evaluated the incidence of acne in women using any contraceptive methods, with the incidence of acne being 36% in women aged 17 to 47 using LNG-IUD in one study. In another study, acne incidence ranged from 2 to 8% in women using any contraceptive methods, with higher rates in younger women and LNG-IUD users. The incidence of acne varies and participants between 16 to 35 years were more likely to report new acne or worsening of pre-existing acne. In a prospective cohort study of women between 16 and 24 years, acne was a common adverse effect, with 44% in the first year. CONCLUSION: The data indicate variability in the incidence of acne among LNG-IUD users, with a higher prevalence observed in younger women. Further research should focus on the effects of LNG-IUD on acne in young populations, with rigorous study designs and consideration of previous contraceptive use.

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is an important tool in the prevention of unplanned pregnancies in adolescents and young women. Acne is a possible adverse effect that could lead to discontinuation of the method.

Risk factors for acne scarring in Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Acne is a common disease that is associated with scarring and substantial psychosocial burden. The Global Burden of Skin Disease reported that the burden from acne as measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 188 countries and specifically that it is greatest in Western Europe, high-income North America and Southern Latin America. This paper aimed to identify risk factors for acne scarring specific to the Ecuadorian population in order to adapt the 4-ASRAT tool accordingly. METHODS: This was an observational prospective study. Participants were recruited to complete a survey that was developed based on the potential risk factors for acne scarring and had facial photographs taken. To determine risk factors and their respective weighting, a logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: The study included 404 participants. Results from univariate analyses indicated that being male (OR = 2.76 95%CI [1.72; 4.43]), having severe or very severe acne scarring (OR = 4.28 95%CI [1.24; 14.79]), acne duration over 1 year (OR = 1.71 95%CI [1.12; 2.60]), oily skin (OR = 2.02 95%CI [1.27; 3.22]) and the presence of acne on the neck (OR = 2.26 95%CI [1.30; 3.92]), were all significantly associated with the presence of acne scarring. Male sex (2.56 95%CI [1.58;4.17]), oily skin (1.96 95%CI [1.20;3.20]) and severe or very severe acne (3.75 95%CI [1.05;13.37]) remained significant risk factors for acne scarring in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: By identifying acne scarring risk factors and applying the tool in everyday dermatology visits, we can reduce the physical and psychological burden that acne scarring causes in the adolescent and adult populations. Further research should be conducted to reassess potential risk factors and complete the adaptation of the tool for the Ecuadorian population, with a larger and more representative study population.

Prevalence of skin lesions in a sample of Brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory bowel diseases may have extra intestinal manifestations such as those affecting the skin. This study aimed to study skin manifestations in a cohort of Brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. METHODS: Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained through a cross-sectional study of 70 inflammatory bowel diseases patients and a control group comprising 50 healthy individuals. All patients were subjected to dermatological examination and photography of skin lesions. RESULTS: Out of the 70 inflammatory bowel diseases patients, 50 had ulcerative colitis and 20 had Crohn's disease. Skin lesions occurred in 95.7% of the inflammatory bowel diseases patients and in 88% of individuals in the control group (p=0.001). Alopecia (p<0.0001), xerosis (p=0.03), striae (p=0.02), and acne (p=0.04) were more common in inflammatory bowel diseases patients than in the control group. Alopecia was more frequent in females (p=0.01) than in males. Two male patients, one with ulcerative colitis and the other with Crohn's disease, had pyoderma gangrenosum. Erythema nodosum was not observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of skin lesions in the Brazilian inflammatory bowel diseases patients. Additionally, alopecia, xerosis, striae, and acne were more common in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases than in those in the control group.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance in Adult Patients with Acne: Association with Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Acne Severity.

Introduction: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the pilosebaceous unit, and there are conflicting evidences regarding its association with metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance (IR). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 162 acne patients, over 20 years of age, matched for age and sex with 78 healthy controls without acne. The measured parameters included waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol. Acne severity was determined according to the Global Acne Grading System. The criteria used for the diagnosis of MS were those of the Harmonizing the Metabolic Syndrome Statement, adjusted for South Americans, and the IR was calculated using the HOMA-IR. Results: The prevalence of MS was significantly higher in cases, compared to controls (12.3% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.014), as was the prevalence of IR (11.7% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.047). In addition, MS and IR showed a positive correlation with the degree of acne severity (P = 0.011 and P = 0.021, respectively). HDL levels were significantly lower in cases (P = 0.012) and showed an association with acne severity (P = 0.038). In the logistic regression model, the risk factor that independently influenced both MS and IR in patients with acne was the WC (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Adults with acne, especially the most severe cases, are significantly more likely to have MS, IR, and lower HDL levels, compared to controls without acne.

Adult acne versus adolescent acne: a narrative review with a focus on epidemiology to treatment.

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and is characterized by papules, pustules, comedones, and nodules. Although adolescence is the preferential age group, acne may affect various age groups. Acne shares different properties in adults and adolescents. These differences extend from epidemiology to treatments. Increased awareness of these two subtypes will allow for better management of the disease. In this review, the authors examined all aspects of acne in adults and adolescents under the light of current literature.

[Acne in the newborn.] / Acné en el recién nacido

Neonatal acne (NA) is a transitory dermatosis that occurs between the second and fourth weeks of life in 20% of children. This condition is more frequent in males, with a male-female ratio of 4.5:1. Present primary skin lesions are open and closed comedones which can evolve into papules, erythematous pustules and, in rare cases, nodules and cysts. NA topography includes the forehead, cheeks, chin, and eyelids, but occasionally it spreads to the scalp, neck, and trunk. NA occurs due to an elevated production of placental and neonatal androgens (of adrenal origin in both sexes and of testicular origin in males) which cause enlargement of the sebaceous glands and increases the production of sebum. Most cases are mild and transient, but if NA is severe and long-lasting, clinical and paraclinical examination will be necessary to find congenital adrenal hyperplasia or a virilizing tumor of adrenal or gonadal origin. The diagnosis of NA is clinical; its main differential -diagnoses are neonatal cephalic pustulosis, other neonatal vesiculopustular dermatoses, infectious diseases, and acneiform reactions. The resolution of NA is spontaneous. In most cases, the use of a mild dermal cleanser and water will be sufficient. For comedogenic lesions (open and closed comedones), topical retinoids or 20% azelaic acid may be used, as well as some topical antibiotics for inflammatory lesions.

El acné neonatal es una dermatosis transitoria que ocurre entre la segunda y la cuarta semanas de vida en uno de cada cinco niños. Es más frecuente en los varones, con una relación de sexo masculino-femenino de 4.5:1. Las manifestaciones clínicas incluyen comedones abiertos y cerrados que pueden progresar a lesiones inflamatorias como pápulas, pústulas eritematosas y, en casos raros, nódulos y quistes. Las zonas afectadas incluyen la frente, las mejillas, el mentón y los párpados, y en algunas ocasiones puede extenderse a la piel cabelluda, el cuello y el tronco. Ocurre por la mayor producción de andrógenos placentarios y neonatales (de origen suprarrenal en ambos sexos y de origen testicular en los varones), que provoca hipertrofia de las glándulas sebáceas y mayor producción de sebo. La mayoría de los casos son leves y autolimitados. Cuando el acné neonatal es grave y prolongado, se debe considerar la posibilidad de hiperandrogenismo, cuyas causas más frecuentes en esta edad son la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita y los tumores, adrenales o gonadales, productores de andrógenos. El diagnóstico del acné neonatal es clínico: se debe distinguir de la pustulosis cefálica neonatal, otras dermatosis neonatales vesiculopustulares, enfermedades infecciosas y reacciones acneiformes. Habitualmente, un dermolimpiador suave y agua resultan suficientes para su manejo. Las lesiones obstructivas (comedones abiertos y cerrados) pueden requerir retinoides tópicos o ácido azelaico al 20%, y las lesiones inflamatorias, algunos antibióticos tópicos.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida e perfil epidemiológico de mulheres adultas com acne facial / Evaluation of quality of life and epidemiological profile of adult women with facial acne

Introdução: A acne é uma doença inflamatória crônica da unidade sebácea. Embora acometa principalmente adolescentes, constata-se uma prevalência elevada em adultos, em especial nas mulheres. A acne feminina adulta tem sido associada a má qualidade de vida (QV) e é capaz de impactar tanto a autoestima como os relacionamentos pessoais e profissionais. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal de natureza quantitativa realizado através da aplicação de questionários para avaliar a QV e o perfil epidemiológico de mulheres adultas com acne facial entre 25 e 50 anos atendidas em um ambulatório clínico da Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC). Resultados: Um total de 20 mulheres com acne facial participaram da pesquisa. A idade média foi de 32,45 anos, sendo a maioria branca, casada e com ensino superior incompleto. A maioria não realizou tratamento prévio, e o perfil mais encontrado foi de início da acne na adolescência e de sua persistência na idade adulta. Grande parte das mulheres utilizavam maquiagem. Além disso, foram observados baixos escores em cada um dos quatro domínios do questionário Acne-QoL, com resultados estatisticamente significativos correlacionando a idade com os domínios de autopercepção e de papel emocional. Conclusões: Os resultados destacam que a acne facial tem um impacto significativo na QV de mulheres adultas que a possuem. (AU)

Introduction: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous unit. Although adolescents are most commonly affected, there is a high prevalence in adults, especially in women. Acne in adult women has been linked to poor quality of life and may affect self-esteem and personal and professional relationships. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study consisted of the administration of a questionnaire to assess the quality of life and epidemiological profile of adult women with facial acne aged 25 to 50 years who were treated at an outpatient clinic at University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC). Results: In total, 20 women with facial acne participated in this study. Mean age was 32.45 years, and most participants were white, married, and did not complete their higher education studies. Most of them did not undergo a previous treatment, and the most common profile was acne onset in adolescence with persistence in adulthood. Most women reported using makeup. In addition, low scores were found in all four domains of the Acne-Quality of Life questionnaire, with statistically significant results correlating age with the domains of self-perception and emotional role. (AU)

Striae Gravidarum, Acne, Facial Spots, and Hair Disorders: Risk Factors in a Study with 1284 Puerperal Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of skin changes during pregnancy and to relate their occurrence to specific factors in a population of south Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out with 1284 puerperal patients. A questionnaire about skin changes during pregnancy was developed and applied by the authors to all puerperal women admitted in a tertiary hospital in south Brazil. RESULTS: The appearance of striae during pregnancy was reported by 633 women (49.5%) and had a statistically significant association with primiparity, presence of stretch marks before pregnancy, and gestational weight gain above 21 kg. Facial blemishes were reported by 33.9% (n = 434) and were associated with a positive family history, multiparity, and the use of facial sunscreen (p < 0.0001). The onset or worsening of acne was identified in 35.7% (n = 456) and was statistically associated with primiparity and Fitzpatrick phototypes IV and V. Hair alterations were reported by 44.5% (n = 569) and were associated with primiparity (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Although most of the skin changes during pregnancy are considered "physiologic," they can cause significant discomfort. Thus, it is important to know them and to understand which risk factors may be associated with such changes.

Severe Acne and Metabolic Syndrome: A Possible Correlation.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Chronic inflammatory skin diseases have been shown to increase or predispose metabolic or vascular damage. However, little is known about systemic effects of the pro-inflammatory state of severe acne. We analyzed data of 85 patients at Lipid Outpatient Clinics (UNIFESP/EPM) who were treated for metabolic syndrome (MS). Medical history and physical examinations were performed in order to search characteristics of acne scars. METHODS: Patients' electronic records were accessed for one year. The ones presenting MS were evaluated by clinical examination in order to detect presence of acne scars. Clinical analysis comprised anamnesis, measurement of abdominal circumference, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). Laboratory tests included fasting glucose, CBC, serum levels of insulin, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine. Statistical analysis consisted of prevalence (95% CI) of acne history/scars among patients treated at the Lipid Outpatient Clinics. The χ2 test, Pearson's test, or Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the association of social and demographic data, clinical and lab exams with the presence of MS or acne scars. Statistical 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients confirmed having a medical history of acne, and 33 denied. Acne scars were found in 61.17%. There was no statistical difference between the groups according to medium value of BMI, hypertension, abdominal circumference, and serum levels of hemoglobin, leucocytes, platelets, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, AST, ALT, glycemia, creatinine, and urea. Twenty-seven out of the 52 patients with acne history presented acne scars, which symbolizes a 31.76% prevalence. This equals a 51.92% prevalence among all patients with acne history. There was no statistical difference among groups according to mean (±SD) in data such as family history, weight, BMI, hypertension, abdominal circumference, serum levels of hemoglobin, leucocytes, platelets, LDL, HDL, AST, ALT, glycemia, creatinine, and urea. A statistical difference in the triglyceride level was present, being elevated in patients with acne scars. DISCUSSION: Apart from the limitation (small sample size), a correlation between acne and MS could be suggested. The high prevalence of acne history/scars in patients treated for MS may indicate a possible correlation with any type of acne. This hypothesis may raise discussion about an association like the already proven risk of metabolic alterations in other inflammatory chronic dermatoses, such as psoriasis or rosacea, regardless of acne severity. We highlight the importance of early treatment and follow-up for patients with MS that could be observed in this study, as clinical and laboratory criteria were all within normal levels among patients from that specific outpatient clinic. Results can draw attention to evaluation of clinical and laboratory investigation related to risk of MS. It corroborates to early diagnosis and prevention of complications of MS. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Large prospective study on adult acne in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula: risk factors, demographics, and clinical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory skin disease involving the pilosebaceous unit. The prevalence of acne is high during adolescence and is known to persist into adulthood; however, the characteristics of adult acne have not been well established. In the adult population, acne has been associated with psychosocial repercussions impacting the quality of life of those who suffer it, especially in female patients. METHODS: This study assessed the demographic and clinical characteristics of 1,384 patients between the ages of 25 and 60 years from 21 countries in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, with the purpose of identifying parameters for the severity of the disease, its links to demographic, biological, social, and environmental factors, and potential triggers. RESULTS: Gender differences in severity and location of the lesions were identified. In a univariate analysis, the male gender, use of cosmetics, age of onset of adolescence, and signs of hyperandrogenism were associated with acne severity. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of adult acne may vary from those of adolescent acne, although the disease presentations are generally similar. Further research is needed to establish similarities and differences in manifestations of adult acne versus adolescent acne.

Daily Intake of Soft Drinks and Moderate-to-Severe Acne Vulgaris in Chinese Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of soft drink consumption and the intake of sugar from soft drinks with the prevalence of acne in adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: This was a university-based epidemiologic investigation that included 8226 students who underwent health examinations and a questionnaire survey inquiring about the intake of soft drinks. Skin diseases were diagnosed by certificated dermatologists during the health examination. Two-level logistic and generalized additive models were used to estimate the associations, and aORs were presented as the effect size. RESULTS: A total of 8197 student survey responses were analyzed. Frequent intake (≥7 times per week) of carbonated sodas (aOR 1.61, 95% CI 0.96-2.72), sweetened tea drinks (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.43-4.43), and fruit-flavored drinks (aOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.18-3.07) was associated with moderate-to-severe acne after adjustments for confounders. The occasional intake of fruit-flavored drinks (1-2 times per week) had a weak protective effect on acne (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74-0.99). The intake of sugar from any soft drinks showed a nonlinear association with acne (P < .01), and sugar intake ≥100 g/d was significantly associated with moderate-to-severe acne (aOR 3.12, 95% CI 1.80-5.41). CONCLUSIONS: Daily soft drink consumption significantly increases the risk of moderate-to-severe acne in adolescents, especially when the sugar intake from any type of soft drink exceeds 100 g per day.

Investigation of Demodex folliculorum frequency in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract: Background: Background: Demodex mites are acari that reside in the pilosebaceous unit of the skin and have been associated with skin disorders. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Demodex folliculorum (D. folliculorum) mites in polycystic ovary syndrome patients as well as to examine the relationship between Demodex infestation and the presence of acne and oily or dry skin types in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Methods: 41 polycystic ovary syndrome patients and 47 non-polycystic ovary syndrome control subjects were enrolled in the study. polycystic ovary syndrome was diagnosed according to the revised 2003 ESHRE/ASRM polycystic ovary syndrome Consensus Workshop Group diagnostic criteria. Microscopic examination of D. folliculorum mites was carried out by standardized skin surface biopsy. The result was considered positive when there were more than 5 mites per cm2. Results: D. folliculorum was positive in 53.7% of the polycystic ovary syndrome patients and 31.9% of the non-polycystic ovary syndrome group (p=0.052). Demodex positivity was significantly associated with acne (p=0.003) and oily skin (p=0.005) in the polycystic ovary syndrome patients but not in the controls. Study limitation: Our study is limited by the relatively small number of subjects and the observational nature of the study design. Conclusion: Demodex mites might have a role in acne pathogenesis in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Anti-Demodex treatment may increase the response to treatment of acne. Further studies are indicated.

Acne keloidalis nuchae: risk factors and associated disorders - a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic scarring folliculitis which usually occurs in young adult males of African descent. Studies have suggested that AKN may be associated with other dermatologic conditions and even general medical disorders. The aim of this study was to identify cutaneous and extracutaneous associated disorders and to examine risk factors in our population for developing AKN. METHODS: The study was a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study conducted at the Dermatology Outpatient department of the University Hospital of the West Indies. Data were obtained from the medical records of patients diagnosed over a 15-year period (2000-2014). RESULTS: There were 1031 new patients during the study period. Of these, 43 (4.2%) had AKN. The male to female ratio for AKN was approximately 7:1. Pseudofolliculitis barbae was associated with keloidal plaques on the scalp (OR = 6.22, P = 0.036). Also, when the duration of AKN was divided into two groups (0-5 years and greater than 5 years), there was an association between keloidal plaques and duration of greater than 5 years (OR = 7.5, P = 0.032). However, when the odds ratio was adjusted, only the duration of AKN remained significantly associated with keloidal plaques (OR = 7.08, P = 0.047). Chronic scalp folliculitis (P = 0.001) and the presence of any component disease of the metabolic syndrome (OR = 14, P = 0.008) and specifically hypertension (OR = 6.75, P = 0.036) were significantly associated with the extension of the lesions beyond the nape and occipital scalp. CONCLUSIONS: Pseudofolliculitis barbae, chronic scalp folliculitis, and aspects of the metabolic syndrome may be associated with acne keloidalis nuchae.

Epidemiology of Acne Vulgaris in 18-Year-Old Male Army Conscripts in a South Brazilian City.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of acne varies worldwide. Several factors (age, skin color, body fat, diet, and smoking) have been investigated as risk factors. OBJECTIVE: A total of 2,201 18-year-old males living in Pelotas, South Brazil, were evaluated in order to examine the prevalence of acne and associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted. A dermatologist performed the clinical examination of the face and trunk for identification of acne lesions. Acne was evaluated as clinically noninflammatory, inflammatory, and acne with both types of lesions. Skin color, schooling, height, smoking, skinfolds, waist circumference, BMI, and dietary dairy intake were the independent variables used. RESULTS: A response rate of 97.2% was obtained. Individuals without any acne lesion were 241 (10.9%); 161 (7.3%) only had noninflammatory lesions, 404 (18.4%) only inflammatory lesions; and 1,395 (63.4%) presented both types of lesions. In multivariate analysis, the type of lesions was different in light and dark skin phototype adolescents, with more common inflammatory lesions in the light phototype and noninflammatory ones in the dark phototype patients. Height was directly associated with the occurrence of all types of acne, whereas lower fat mass was associated with the occurrence of noninflammatory acne. While daily consumption of whole milk or yogurt was found to be associated with inflammatory acne in crude analysis, the association with milk was not detected and that with yogurt was low in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that future studies should explore determinants of noninflammatory and inflammatory acne separately, especially if mixed populations are studied.

Investigation of Demodex folliculorum frequency in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Background: Demodex mites are acari that reside in the pilosebaceous unit of the skin and have been associated with skin disorders. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Demodex folliculorum (D. folliculorum) mites in polycystic ovary syndrome patients as well as to examine the relationship between Demodex infestation and the presence of acne and oily or dry skin types in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. METHODS: 41 polycystic ovary syndrome patients and 47 non-polycystic ovary syndrome control subjects were enrolled in the study. polycystic ovary syndrome was diagnosed according to the revised 2003 ESHRE/ASRM polycystic ovary syndrome Consensus Workshop Group diagnostic criteria. Microscopic examination of D. folliculorum mites was carried out by standardized skin surface biopsy. The result was considered positive when there were more than 5 mites per cm2. RESULTS: D. folliculorum was positive in 53.7% of the polycystic ovary syndrome patients and 31.9% of the non-polycystic ovary syndrome group (p=0.052). Demodex positivity was significantly associated with acne (p=0.003) and oily skin (p=0.005) in the polycystic ovary syndrome patients but not in the controls. STUDY LIMITATION: Our study is limited by the relatively small number of subjects and the observational nature of the study design. CONCLUSION: Demodex mites might have a role in acne pathogenesis in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Anti-Demodex treatment may increase the response to treatment of acne. Further studies are indicated.

Acne scars in 18-year-old male adolescents: a population-based study of prevalence and associated factors.

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.

Acne scars in 18-year-old male adolescents: a population-based study of prevalence and associated factors

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.

Quality of life, self-esteem and psychosocial factors in adolescents with acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Dermatological diseases, among which acne vulgaris, have psychological impact on the affected generating feelings of guilt, shame and social isolation. OBJECTIVES: To compare quality of life, self-esteem and other psychosocial variables amongst adolescents with and without acne vulgaris, and between levels of severity. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study in a sample of 355 high school students from the city of João Pessoa. Data collection was performed with questionnaires and clinical-dermatological evaluation. The primary variables were the incidence of AV; quality of life, set by the Children's Dermatology Quality of Life Index and Dermatology Quality of Life Index; and self-esteem, measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. For calculation of statistical tests, we used the SPSS 20.0 software, considering p=0.05. RESULTS: The sample, with an average age of 16, showed 89.3% prevalence of acne vulgaris. The most prevalent psychosocial issue was "afraid that acne will never cease", present in 58% of affected youth. The median score of Quality of Life in Children's Dermatology Index was different amongst students with and without acne vulgaris (p=0.003), as well as the Quality of Life in Dermatology (p=0.038) scores, so that students with acne vulgaris have worse QoL. There was a correlation between the severity of acne vulgaris and worse quality of life. Self-esteem was not significantly associated with the occurrence or severity of acne vulgaris. CONCLUSIONS: acne vulgaris assumes significance in view of its high prevalence and the effect on quality of life of adolescents, more severe at the more pronounced stages of disease (p<0.001). The psychosocial impact of acne vulgaris should be valued in the management of patients with this condition.

Quality of life, self-esteem and psychosocial factors in adolescents with acne vulgaris

AbstractBackground:Dermatological diseases, among which acne vulgaris, have psychological impact on the affected generating feelings of guilt, shame and social isolation.Objectives:To compare quality of life, self-esteem and other psychosocial variables amongst adolescents with and without acne vulgaris, and between levels of severity.Methods:Cross-sectional observational study in a sample of 355 high school students from the city of João Pessoa. Data collection was performed with questionnaires and clinical-dermatological evaluation. The primary variables were the incidence of AV; quality of life, set by the Children's Dermatology Quality of Life Index and Dermatology Quality of Life Index; and self-esteem, measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. For calculation of statistical tests, we used the SPSS 20.0 software, considering p=0.05.Results:The sample, with an average age of 16, showed 89.3% prevalence of acne vulgaris. The most prevalent psychosocial issue was "afraid that acne will never cease", present in 58% of affected youth. The median score of Quality of Life in Children's Dermatology Index was different amongst students with and without acne vulgaris (p=0.003), as well as the Quality of Life in Dermatology (p=0.038) scores, so that students with acne vulgaris have worse QoL. There was a correlation between the severity of acne vulgaris and worse quality of life. Self-esteem was not significantly associated with the occurrence or severity of acne vulgaris.Conclusions:acne vulgaris assumes significance in view of its high prevalence and the effect on quality of life of adolescents, more severe at the more pronounced stages of disease (p<0.001). The psychosocial impact of acne vulgaris should be valued in the management of patients with this condition.

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de pacientes que consultan por acné / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with acne

El acné es una enfermedad multifactorial que afecta a más de 40 millones de personas a nivel mundial. A pesar de ser uno de los motivos más frecuentes de consulta dermatológica, se carece a nivel nacional de estudios epidemiológicos sobre esta afección. El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de los pacientes que consultaron por acné en la Cátedra de Dermatología del Hospital de Clínicas de marzo a julio de 2013. En este estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal se incluyeron en forma consecutiva 130 pacientes con acné, edad media: 20,3 ± 5,5 años, 62,3% de sexo femenino, y >90% era procedente de Asunción o Departamento Central. El 65,3% reportó antecedentes familiares de acné y la edad de inicio fue más temprana en hombres. La ingesta de grasas fue el factor desencadenante más citado por los hombres, mientras que en las mujeres fue el periodo menstrual. El 63,15% de las mujeres que ingería anticonceptivos refirieron mejoría del acné. Un alto porcentaje (60%) de mujeres presentó acné leve a moderado mientras que el acné severo a muy severo fue más frecuente (65%) en los hombres. Los pacientes con acné leve tuvieron en promedio edades mayores (23 ± 7,4 años) que aquellos con acné severo (18 ± 3,7 años). No se encontró asociación entre la presencia de antecedentes familiares, tabaquismo, irregularidades menstruales, fototipo cutáneo, índice de masa corporal y severidad del acné. Estos resultados pueden servir de base para futuras investigaciones y el establecimiento de protocolos diagnósticos y terapéuticos en el país.

Acne is a multifactorial disease affecting over 40 million people worldwide. Despite thefact that is one of the most frequent reasons for dermatologic consultation, the countryhas no epidemiological studies about this affection. The objective of this study was todescribe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients that consulted for acnein the Department of Dermatology of the Clinical Hospital from March to July 2013. This isa cross-sectional descriptive observational study that included consecutively 130 patientswith acne, mean age: 20.3±5.5 years, 62.3% was women and >90% came fromAsunción and Central Department. Family history of acne was reported by 65.3%. Theacne onset was earlier in men than in women. Fat intake was the triggering factormentioned more frequently by men while beginning of menstruation was in women.Improvement of acne was mentioned by 63.15% of women who used oral contraceptives.A high percentage (60%) of women presented mild to moderate acne while severe tovery severe acne was more common in men (65%). The mean age (23±7.4 years) inpatients with mild acne was higher than in those patients with severe acne (18±3.7 years). No association between the presence of family history, smoking, menstrualirregularities, cutaneous phototype, body mass index was observed. These results mayserve as a baseline for future research and the establishment of diagnostic andtherapeutic protocols in the country.