A Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Acne in Adults

Introduction Acne is commonly viewed as a disorder of adolescence, however prevalence of adults with acne is increasing. Adult acne has been traditional defined as presence of acne beyond the age of 25 years. Aim This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological data of adult acne with respect to its special characteristics, aggravating and relieving factors. Design of the study This is a prospective study Materials and methods The study was carried out for 6 months and it included 50 patients. Patients above the age of 25years presenting with acne were included in the study. Results Majority of the patients had grade-II acne 80 % followed by grade-I acne 10 %. The most common site of involvement was cheeks 80 % followed by chin 66 %, mandibular-area 52 % and forehead 48 %. Acne persisting beyond the age of 25years was observed in 70 % while late-onset acne was seen in 30 %. Premenstrual flare was observed in 46 %, androgenetic-alopecia in 14 %. Scarring was observed in 46 % and pigmentation in 30 % of patients. Conclusion Adult acne differs from adolescent acne by its more inflammatory nature and predominant involvement of cheeks and lower half of the face especially jaw-line and chin.