title: Community-based study of acne vulgaris in adolescents in Singapore.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, National Skin Centre, 1 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308205. hhtan@nsc.gov.sg
authors.forename: H-H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: A W H
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Barkham
authors.forename: X-Y
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhu
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004917:Erythromycin