title: A multicenter epidemiological study of acne vulgaris in Korea.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acne is a common skin disorder that affects both adolescents and adults. However, few epidemiological studies on this condition have been conducted in Asia.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of acne and to identify its demographic and clinical features and aggravating factors. In addition, we examined the relationships between these factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained, using a self-administered questionnaire, from patients who visited 17 general hospitals and from the consulting dermatologists.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1236 patients were involved in this study. Acne first developed and presented most commonly on the forehead and cheeks, although the cheeks were more severely affected. Significant associations were found between the clinical, epidemiological, and behavioral characteristics of acne patients according to several factors, such as sex, age at onset, previous treatment history, and family history. The present study indicates that stress, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, and menstruation aggravate acne.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study presents the demographic features and clinical characteristics of acne sufferers in Korea. This large-scale analysis provides a useful overview of acne in Korea.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. daehun@snu.ac.kr
authors: Dae Hun
authors: DH
authors: Suh
authors: Byung Yoon
authors: BY
authors: Kim
authors: Seong Uk
authors: SU
authors: Min
authors: Dong Hun
authors: DH
authors: Lee
authors: Mi Young
authors: MY
authors: Yoon
authors: Nack In
authors: NI
authors: Kim
authors: Young Chul
authors: YC
authors: Kye
authors: Eil Soo
authors: ES
authors: Lee
authors: Young Suck
authors: YS
authors: Ro
authors: Kwang Joong
authors: KJ
authors: Kim