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An epidemiological study of acne in female adults: results of a survey conducted in France
Author(s) -
Poli F,
Dreno B,
Verschoore M
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1046/j.1468-3083.2001.00357.x
Subject(s) - acne , medicine , epidemiology , dermatology , quality of life (healthcare) , population , etiology , environmental health , nursing
Background Acne is usually perceived as a disease of teenagers, and most epidemiological studies have focused on adolescents. Objective The primary objective was to investigate the prevalence of acne in a representative sample of French females. Information about skin type, life‐style factors influencing acne and quality of life were also recorded. Methods A self‐administered questionnaire was sent to 4000 adult women aged 25–40 years, after a validation test by three dermatologists. A definition of acne severity, according to questionnaire answers, was established before the questionnaire was sent out. Results A total of 3394 women completed the questionnaire of which 3305 were useable. The data showed a prevalence of acne in 17% of the population, and physiological acne in 24%. Thus, the total acne prevalence was 41%. Forty‐nine per cent of the acne patients had acne sequelae (scars and/or pigmented macules). Forty‐one per cent of adult acne patients had not experienced acne during their adolescence. A premenstrual flare and stress was recorded as causing acne in 78% and 50%, respectively. Twenty‐two per cent of acne subjects were currently receiving therapy. For most patients, acne did not severely impair their quality of life. Conclusion This study shows a prevalence of acne in 41% of women in the general population. A high proportion of these acne cases are late onset acne.