A multicenter epidemiological study of acne vulgaris in Korea

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. Objectives 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.