Acne scars in 18-year-old male adolescents: a population-based study of prevalence and associated factors

• Published in: Anais brasileiros de dermatología 2016-05, Vol.91 (3), p.291-295
• Main Authors: Lauermann, Fernanda Tcatch, Almeida, Jr, Hiram Larangeira de, Duquia, Rodrigo Pereira, Souza, Paulo Ricardo Martins de, Breunig, Juliano de Avelar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acne vulgaris; Acne Vulgaris - complications; Acne Vulgaris - epidemiology; Adolescent; Brazil - epidemiology; Cicatrix; Cicatrix - epidemiology; Cicatrix - etiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; DERMATOLOGY; Epidemiology; Face; Humans; Investigation; Male; Prevalence; Severity of Illness Index; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0365-0596; 1806-4841; 1806-4841; 0365-0596
• DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20164405

Acne vulgaris is a pilosebaceous follicle disorder affecting over 85% of adolescents to some degree. It frequently causes psychological distress that may persist into adulthood due to scarring. Little information about post-acne scarring epidemiology is available. To describe prevalence, distribution patterns and associated factors of acne scarring in young males, drawing on a representative population sample from a southern Brazilian city. A cross-sectional study was undertaken during presentation for military service, which is compulsory for all 18-year-old males. A questionnaire was applied, covering topics like diet, smoking habits, ethnicity, family structure, socio-economic level, as well as specific questions about active acne and resulting scars. Dermatologists conducted the clinical examination. A total of 2,201 male adolescents were interviewed and examined. The overall prevalence of acne scarring was 22%. The malar region was the most frequently involved, present in 80% of affected individuals, followed by the frontal region (31.5%), back (17%), anterior chest (8.2%) and mentonian region (6.4%). Correlation between the intensity of clinical acne and the presence of scars was found, but no association was observed with educational level, smoking, ethnicity, obesity or socio-economic status. There is a high prevalence of acne scars among this population. This is the first study to ascertain a correlation between acne scarring and factors such as socio-economic status and educational level. The direct relation between acne severity and scarring indicates that prompt and effective treatment is the best way to reduce scarring.