Community-based study of acne vulgaris in adolescents in Singapore.
BACKGROUND
There are few studies on the prevalence of acne vulgaris among Asian teenagers.


OBJECTIVE
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.
Tan
H-H
HH
Department of Dermatology, National Skin Centre, 1 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308205. hhtan@nsc.gov.sg
Tan
A W H
AW
Barkham
T
T
Yan
X-Y
XY
Zhu
M
M
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001828:Body Image; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004917:Erythromycin