title: Acne in adult women: epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adult female acne (AFA) is a dermatosis of increasing incidence; hyperandrogenism is present in many cases, but there are patients without hormonal abnormalities.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the prevalent characteristics in adult women with acne without hyperandrogenism.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey of 226 medical records with AFA complaints was conducted; of these, 116 (51.3%) had a normal hormonal profile and were, therefore, included in the study. We investigated age, ethnicity, clinical profile of acne, complementary exams, previous treatment, prescribed treatment and evolution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age was 33.9 years and the predominant clinical grade of acne was moderate inflammatory (grade 2). The face was the most affected area. Topical retinoids were the most prescribed drugs, and systemic medication was prescribed to 53.4% of the patients. Total regression was observed in 31 patients (26.7%) within 12 weeks of treatment. Adverse reactions to topical treatment occurred in 21.5% of the patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The clinical manifestations of AFA in patients without hyperandrogenism are moderate, with predominance of inflammatory lesions. Treatment is similar to that of acne vulgaris; however, special attention should be taken with more irritating medication since this group appears to be more predisposed to skin irritations.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Flavia Alvim Sant'Anna
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Addor
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schalka
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index