Acne vulgaris: prevalence and clinical forms in adolescents from São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

BACKGROUND Acne is a common disease in adolescents, but there are no epidemiological data for acne in Brazil. OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence and degree of acne in adolescents from Sao Paulo and study socio-demographic factors, family history and lifestyle, associated with the disease. METHODS Cross-sectional study with 452 adolescents aged between 10 and 17 (mean=13.3 years), students from elementary and high school, examined by 3 independent evaluators. RESULTS 62.4% were female, 85.8% white and 6.4% were aged 14. The prevalence was 96.0% and increased with age - all students over 14 had acne. The most prevalent form of acne was comedonal (61.1%), followed by mild (30.6%) and moderate (7.6%) papular-pustular, which affected mostly the face (97.5%). About half of the adolescents reported family history for acne in mother or father, and 20.6% reported previous treatment for acne. There was a higher chance of presenting non-comedonal acne with increased age (p<0.001).DISCUSSIONThe prevalence of acne in adolescents varies widely due to the clinical features and diagnostic methods used. Adolescents whose brothers/sisters had acne (OR=1.7-p=0.027) and those over 13 (OR=8.3-p<0.001), were more likely to have non-comedonal acne.CONCLUSION This study showed high prevalence of acne in adolescents from Sao Paulo, predominantly the comedonal form on the face, with a higher chance of presenting non-comedonal acne with increased age.

Predictors of Acne Vulgaris among Adolescents in Kuwait

“…Approximately, 9.4% of the world’s population are affected by AV, with the highest prevalence among post-pubescent teenagers [1]. AV is considered the most common skin disease globally [2] and ranked as the 8th most common disease worldwide [3]. Skin diseases are unlikely to be life-threatening conditions when not accompanied by systemic involvement, yet they are the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide [4].…”

Acne prevalence in 9 to 14‐year‐old old patients attending pediatric ambulatory clinics in Italy

“…As acne in childhood may persist over many years, early control may help to minimize its impact on patients over the lifespan of the disease . In recent years, many studies in adults and adolescents showed that numerous factors, including hormones, body mass index (BMI), and diet, may be involved in acne pathogenesis . Although these reports provided valuable evidence, significant frequency data for childhood acne as well as its main features are still lacking.…”

Epidemiology and risk factors of childhood acne in Korea: a cross-sectional community based study

“…Recent studies with adult and adolescent patients have reported various factors, including hormones, body mass index (BMI) and diet, to be involved with acne initiation and aggravation . Although these reports provided valuable information, relevant data for childhood acne have rarely been reported, especially in Asian patients.…”

“…Recent studies with adult and adolescent patients have reported various factors, including hormones, body mass index (BMI) and diet, to be involved with acne initiation and aggravation. 6,7 Although these reports provided valuable information, relevant data for childhood acne have rarely been reported, especially in Asian patients. Investigating communitybased epidemiology, clinical manifestations and risk factors of childhood acne would be useful in estimating the social costs of acne and establishing educational initiatives for patients and the general public about the treatment and prevention of childhood acne.…”