Publication:

A clinicoepidemiological study of adult acne

Background Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of pilosebaceous unit. Adult acne is defined as presence of acne after the age of 25 years. Though acne vulgaris has been studied extensively, there is paucity of literature on adult acne.

Methods A total of 150 patients with adult acne were enrolled in the study. A detailed history was taken followed by detailed dermatological examination. Ultrasonography abdomen and pelvis, hormonal evaluation was done in case of women with symptoms and signs of hyperandrogenism.

Results Out of 150 patients studied, majority (61.3%) were in the age group of 26-30 years. The mean age of patients with adult acne was 30.1 years. Females (86%) outnumbered males. Majority of the patients (53.3%) had persistent adult acne and 46.7% had late onset acne. Exposure to sunlight (24%) was the most common aggravating factor followed by use of cosmetics in 19.3%. Menstruation was causing flare up of acne in 72 (55.8%) female patients. Face was involved in all the patients. Cheek was the most common site involved followed by forehead. Post acne scarring was present in 46.6% of the patients. Majority of the patients (67.3%) had grade 2 acne. Symptoms and signs of hyperandrogenism were present in 14 female patients.

Conclusions Adult acne is more common in females. Persistent acne is more common than late onset acne. Patients with persistent adult acne are more prone to develop nodulocystic acne and acne scars.