Profile of patients with mild-to-moderate acne in Europe: a survey

Abstract

Background

Although acne is almost universal in teenagers, few large cohort studies have investigated the profile of acne patients.

Objectives

To identify the profile of European patients with mild-to-moderate acne.

Materials and methods

An epidemiological study was performed using inclusion data from a prospective, international, observational phase IV study conducted in patients prescribed an anti-acne cream containing retinaldehyde, glycolic acid, modified rhamnose and Avene Thermal SpringWater.

Results

Atotal of 2926 patients (73.1% female) with mild to moderate acne (mean Global Evaluation of Acne score of 2.55 ± 0.7), aged 22.5 ± 8.0 years, were included in France, Switzerland, Italy and Portugal. A family history of acne was present in 62.9% of patients and mean age at acne onset was 16.0 ± 4.9 years. In total, 69.6% of patients had moderate to severe hyperseborrhoea, 35.6% acne lesions on both face and trunk, 23.6% facial pigmentation and 46% scars. The extent of acne was significantly associated with sex, age at acne onset, history of acne and presence of scars. In women, acne onset was delayed (p<0.0001) and a family history of acne and extension to the trunk were less common than in men (p = 0.0118, and p<0.0001), as were scars (p = 0.0042). In subjects with a family history of acne, the frequency in men was higher (p = 0.0118), acne onset was earlier (p<0.0001) and extension to the trunk and presence of scars were more common (both p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Further epidemiological studies would help define specific risk factors for acne occurrence or progression, which may be modified.