Comparison of acne vulgaris patients and healthy controls in terms of autistic features and 2D:4D ratio.

Objective: In the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris; androgen hormones are mentioned as an important factor for affecting sebaceous gland differentiation. Intrauterine exposure to androgen hormones is associated with autism and autistic features. An important indicator of androgen exposure is the 2D:4D ratio. In this study, we aimed to compare acne vulgaris patients with healthy controls in terms of autistic features and 2D:4D ratio.

Method: The study was carried out in the outpatient unit of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University School of Medicine. 104 patients aged between 18-40 years old diagnosed with acne vulgaris and 123 healthy controls were included in the study. The sociodemographic data form was completed by the researcher and 2D:4D ratios were measured. Autistic features were measured with the Autism Spectrum Quotient. Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results: In the analysis, 2D:4D ratios were found to be significantly lower in male gender than female gender. Both hands analyzed separately for 2D:4D ratio. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of 2D:4D ratios. In addition, in terms of mean 2D:4D ratios, no significant difference was found both the whole sample and the male and female gender between patient and control group. There was no significant difference between patient and control group in terms of autism spectrum quotient scores when evaluated the whole sample and male and female separately.

Conclusion: As a result of this study; new data on the relationship between acne and 2D:4D ratios, which are rarely associated with previous studies, have been obtained. The relationship between acne and autistic features, which were not previously examined, was assessed with this study. According to our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the relationship between acne and autistic features.