Clinico-epidemiological Features of Acne Vulgaris: A Tertiary Hospital-Based Study

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a frequently encountered skin disease in daily practice. Its clinico-epidemiological status was evaluated in this study. Methods: Four hundred patients were studied by record-based observation for 2 years in the Acne Clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Results: This study revealed a male preponderance (53%) with a higher prevalence in adolescents (75%). Women with a regular menstrual cycle had a lower acne grading (ρ = – 0.31). Increased physical activity led to a decrease in acne grading (ρ = – 0.20). An association was found between acne and family history (42%) and nonvegetarian, oily, spicy fast food (99%). Our prescribed allopathic treatment in the Acne Clinic showed improvement. No drug induced ocular toxicity was observed. Hot, humid, dusty environment influenced the majority (87%) of the respondents. Urbanization (69%) increased the occurrence of acne. Conclusion: Community based studies are required to find out the actual burden of acne vulgaris. (Iran J Dermatol 2010;13: 37-41)