Acne Flares among University Female Students: The Role of Perceived Factors

Objectives: Acne is a common skin disease especially in adolescents and young adults. Several pathogenetic factors are implicated in causing the disease. Typically acne flares and remits in its course. Several factors can cause flares. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived factors of acne flares and the idea of sun creams causing skin darkening. Methods: A questionnaire study of the perceived factors in causing acne flares was studied in university female students. These included food, stress, hygiene and menstrual periods. In addition, the effect of sun creams on causing skin darkening was asked. Results: Food was implicated by 43.2% of patients. Stress and menstrual periods were thought to exacerbate acne by more than 70% of patients while 80% of patients did not think bad hygiene worsened acne. 40% of patients thought the use of sun creams cause skin darkening. Conclusion: More controlled studies are needed to explore the effect of food on acne. Dermatologists need to explain the benefit of using sun creams especially to acne patients while using standard treatments.