BACKGROUNDAcne vulgaris can severely affect social and psychological functioning. OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of acne vulgaris and its severity on Quality of Life of young adolescents in Greece.METHODSWe conducted a questionnaire based survey among 1560 adolescent between the ages
of 11 and 19 years old and 1531 of these were completed. Adolescents with acne
filled all the questions including the Children Dermatology Life Quality Index.
Adolescents without acne filled the questions about age, family history of acne,
stress and smoking. Data were analyzed with Pearson Chi Square test. RESULTSAcne prevalence was 51.2% affecting both sexes equally. Self reported mild acne
was present in 71.2% and moderate-severe acne in 28.8% of the study population.
The mean age of the study population was 15.77y. The median score of Children
Dermatology Life Quality Index was 4.02. The impact of acne on quality of life is
associated with the severity of the acne (p<0.0001). Patients with
moderate/severe acne experience greater psychosocial and emotional impairment
(p<0.0001). Body image is modified proportionally to the severity of acne
(p<0.0001). Symptoms and treatment of acne are factors that also influence
their quality of life. Girls and boys are equally affected. Stress and heredity
are correlated with acne and its severity (p<0.0001). We didn't find any
correlation between smoking and acne. CONCLUSIONAcne affects Quality of Life of young adolescents in Greece. The impact is
proportional to the severity of acne. More severe acne is associated with greater
effect on quality of life with implications for self esteem, body image and
relationships with others.
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