H-H Tan1, A W H Tan, T Barkham, X-Y Yan, M Zhu. 1. Department of Dermatology, National Skin Centre, 1 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308205. hhtan@nsc.gov.sg
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There are few studies on the prevalence of acne vulgaris among Asian teenagers. OBJECTIVES: 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.
BACKGROUND: There are few studies on the prevalence of acne vulgaris among Asian teenagers. OBJECTIVES: 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: John E A Common; Sara J Brown; Rebecca L Haines; Christabelle S M Goh; Huijia Chen; Anita Balakrishnan; Colin S Munro; Audrey W H Tan; H H Tan; Mark B Y Tang; E Birgitte Lane Journal: J Invest Dermatol Date: 2011-02-17 Impact factor: 8.551
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Authors: Dae Hun Suh; Jung Won Shin; Seong Uk Min; Dong Hun Lee; Mi Young Yoon; Nack In Kim; Young Chul Kye; Eil Soo Lee; Young Suck Ro; Kwang Joong Kim Journal: J Korean Med Sci Date: 2008-12-23 Impact factor: 2.153