Acne in Indian population: An epidemiological study evaluating multiple factors

Abstract

Acne is one of the most common skin diseases seen in clinical practice and is caused by multiple factors. Epidemiological data on acne are limited from developing countries. Using a questionnaire survey, the epidemiological data of acne were evaluated with a view to establishing possible contributing etiological factors in dermatology practice in India. Out of 6409 patients included in the study 45% were male and 55% were female. The mean age of the patients was 24.64 years. Smoking habit was reported in 14% of the patients while high glycemic diet (HGD) was seen in half of the cases. Of respondents, 41% knew that acne was due to increased sebum production and blockade of pilosebaceous units whereas 35% had due to excessive cosmetic use. Grade II acne was predominant (47%) and majority of the patients had inflammatory papular acne (51%). The presence of hyperpigmentation (35%) and scarring (29%) was considered to be a reflection of the severity of the acne. Moisturizers and cleansers were one of the most common supportive measure of acne management. Cleansers were prescribed for 53% of the patients whereas 43% of the patients were prescribed moisturizers. Amongst topical treatment, adapalene and BPO combination (34%) was the most commonly prescribed combination followed by adapalene & clindamycin combination (29%). Monotherapy was not commonly prescribed. Most of the patients were managed with combination therapy. Isotretinoin was most commonly prescribed medication in all grades of acne comprising of 40% of the patients. This study presents the demographic features and clinical characteristics of acne in dermatology office practice in India.