Prevalence of acne vulgaris and its clinico-epidemiological pattern in adult patients: Results of a prospective, observational study.

Background: Acne is a common disorder in adolescents. The prevalence of acne in adults is also increasing. There are only a few Indian studies on the prevalence and clinical features of adult acne.

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence and possible etiological and aggravating factors of acne in adult population.

Methods: Adult patients more than 25 years with acne were enrolled, and detailed history and examination were recorded. Type of acne, age, gender, area of involvement, and associated factors were noted.

Results: Out of 24,056 adult patients, 180 had acne, with the prevalence of 0.74%. Mean age of patients with acne was 30.1 years. A total of 81.7% patients with acne were female and 68.3% had persistent type of acne. Inflammatory papular acne (72.8%) was the most common type of acne in our study population. Cheek (85%) was the predominant site of involvement; 62.8% patients developed scarring. Underlying chronic stress was present in 23.9% and family history of acne in 60.6%. A total of 43.5% patients reported aggravation with cosmetics and 42.8% provided history of oily and high glycemic food conduction. Premenstrual flare and hirsutism were seen in 61.9% and 16.3% female patients, respectively.

Conclusion: Acne is more common in people with 25-35 years of age with female preponderance and a gradual decline in the prevalence is seen thereafter. Inflammatory nature is more common with cheeks being commonest site of affection. Facial scarring is more common that emphasizes the importance of early and adequate intervention.