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Community‐based study of acne vulgaris in adolescents in Singapore
Author(s) -
Tan HH.,
Tan A.W.H.,
Barkham T.,
Yan XY.,
Zhu M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.08087.x
Subject(s) - acne , propionibacterium acnes , medicine , dermatology , antibiotics , epidemiology , hygiene , antibiotic therapy , distress , biology , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology , clinical psychology
Summary Background There are few studies on the prevalence of acne vulgaris among Asian teenagers. Objectives To determine the epidemiology of acne in teenagers in Singapore. Methods A community‐based cross‐sectional study in 1045 adolescents aged 13–19 years. Results Of these respondents, 88% identified themselves as having acne. Eight hundred and six of these respondents were examined by a dermatologist, and 51·4% were classified as having mild acne, 40% moderate acne and 8·6% severe acne. Isolation of Propionibacterium acnes was attempted in 262 subjects. Cultures were positive in 174 subjects, giving an isolation rate of 66·4%. Antibiotic‐resistant strains of P. acnes were detected in 26 isolates (14·9%). Eleven of these 26 subjects (42%) had previously been treated or were presently on antibiotic treatment for acne, but the other 58% of students who had antibiotic‐resistant strains of P. acnes did not give a history of prior antibiotic therapy. Teenagers expressed psychological distress over acne, and believed that hormonal factors, diet and hygiene were important factors in causing acne. Conclusions There is a need for accessible, accurate education on acne and its appropriate treatment.