Title: Comparison Study on Frequency, Severity and Risk Factors of Acne among Male and Female Medical Students

Authors: Aleena Mohib, Amara Zafar, Hareem Syed

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i2.142

Abstract

Introduction

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases worldwide. It is characterized by areas of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and greasy skin, and may result in scarring. Three skin conditions were in the top 10 most prevalent diseases globally in 2010—fungal skin diseases (4th global prevalence=984,290,432), other skin and subcut-aneous diseases (5th), and acne vulgaris (8th global prevalence=645,499,136).1 In 2011, in a study conducted in a medical school in Portugal, prevalence of acne was reported to be 62.2%.2 A study conducted in 2010 compared the prevalence of acne amongst Caucasian, Asian, Continental Indian and African American, Asian women ran-ked second with a prevalence of 30%.3 Acne has always been attributed to teenagers but research proved otherwise, and a significant number of people either continue to experience acne or develop new-onset acne after the teenaged years.4

The number of family members with acne history provides significant information as per the risk of acne and its severity, with the mother’s acne being the most important prognostic indicator. 5 In subjects with a positive family history of acne, males with acne tend to have earlier onset than females do.6

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Corresponding Author

Hareem Syed

Dow Medical College