Evaluation of Bowel Habits in Patients with Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the bowel habits of patients with acne vulgaris Method: In this case control study, socio-demographic characteristics of the participants (age, gender, marital status, educational status, profession, economic status, smoking-alcohol habits, chronic diseases, previous operations, people they live with, diet) were questioned and the global acne grading scores of the patients were calculated. Bristol Stool Scale, Rome III Criteria for IBS, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, Hospital Anxiety Depression and KADF (dietary fiber information) scales fulfilled. Results: The patient group consisted 102 and the control group consisted 104 participants. The mean age was 20.9 ± 3.9 years old in the case group and 21.8 ± 5.0 years old in the control group. Patient and control groups were similar in terms of age and gender. Smoking rates were significantly higher in the patient group (p=0,035). The amount of coffee consumed per day were significantly higher in the patient group (p=0,040). According to the global acne grading scores, 55.9% (n = 57) had medium, 39.2% (n = 40) had mild, 3.9% (n = 4) had severe and 1% (n=1) had very severe acne. Anxiety scores were found to be significantly higher in the patient group (p = 0.005). When the case and control groups were compared for IBS presence, no significant difference was found (p = 0.317). Also, IBS was not related with acne severity (p = 0.162). Conclusion: Further large sample sized studies are needed on this subject, as there is strong evidence about brain–gut–skin axis existence.