Relationship between body mass index z-score and acne severity in adolescents: a prospective analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin disorder influenced by a variety of factors, including a high body mass index (BMI) and obesity. Aim: To investigate the association between BMI z-scores and acne severity in boys and girls aged 10–18 years. Material and methods: A 72-patient prospective analysis was performed, in which patient weight, height, body mass index (BMI), body mass index z score (BMI z-score), percentiles, and demographic information were collected, and acne severity was categorized as mild or moderate/severe. Results: The results indicated that patients with moderate/severe acne were significantly older and had higher weight, height, BMI, and BMI z-scores than those with mild acne (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The findings suggest that higher BMI z-scores are linked to increased acne severity. These results emphasize the importance of addressing weight-related risk factors for the prevention and treatment of acne vulgaris. The early detection and management of weight-related conditions can play a crucial role in improving the overall well-being of individuals with acne, considering its negative impact on mental health and social functioning.