The epidemiology of acne vulgaris in a multiethnic adolescent population from Rotterdam, the Netherlands: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Although acne is a prevalent multifactorial inflammatory skin condition, few studies were performed in multiethnic populations. OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence and determinants of acne in a multiethnic study at the start of puberty. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is embedded in Generation R, a population-based prospective study from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Three-dimensional facial photos at the center visit in 2016-2019 (of ∼13-year-olds) were used to grade acne severity using the Global Evaluation of the Acne Severity (GEA). Analyses were stratified by biological sex and explored through chi-square tests and multivariable ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 4561 children (51% girls) with a median age of 13.5 (IQR 13.3-13.6) were included. The visible acne prevalence (GEA 2-5) for girls vs boys was 62% vs 45% and moderate-to-severe acne (GEA 3-5) 14% vs 9%. Higher puberty stages (adjusted odds ratios: 1.38 [1.20-1.59] and 2.16 [1.86-2.51] for girls and boys, respectively) and darker skin colors V and VI (adjusted odds ratios: 1.90 [1.17-3.08] and 2.43 [1.67-3.56]) were associated with more severe acne in both sexes, and being overweight in boys (adjusted odds ratio: 1.58 [1.15-2.17]). LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: Acne prevalence was high at the age of 13 years and was associated with advanced puberty, darker skin color, and weight status.

Long term effects of digital education among healthcare professionals in paediatric dermatology: Opportunities for improving care.

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the cornerstone of treatment for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Unfortunately, anxiety and misplaced beliefs on TCS, known as corticophobia, is common among health care professionals (HCPs) and could influence their practices, resulting in suboptimal patient care. Objectives: To investigate the effects of digital education (DE) on the knowledge of TCS, practices and corticophobia among HCPs in paediatric dermatology. Methods: HCPs registered for an interactive online masterclass on paediatric dermatology including the treatment of AD and TCS were invited to participate in a survey on knowledge of TCS, self-reported practices and corticophobia. Corticophobia was measured using the TOPICOP-P questionnaire (range: 0%-100%, with higher scores indicating more corticophobia). Participants received the survey before, directly after, and 6 months after DE. Results: Of the 86 participants, 66 (77%) completed the survey before the masterclass, 76 (88%) directly after, and 34 (40%) 6 months after. Key components of knowledge on TCS and self-reported practices improved greatly after DE, such as correct prescription amount of TCS (45%, 91%, 88%) and application instructions (56%, 99%, 94%). Overall corticophobia decreased after DE with median scores dropping from 33% before DE to 25% after DE (p < 0.01) and remained 25% 6 months later. Conclusion: Interactive DE for HCPs is an efficient tool to attain prolonged improvements of knowledge on TCS, practices, and corticophobia. All these factors are important for optimal care for patients. This study shows great opportunities for improving care by investing in HCPs.