Ncoza C Dlova1, Anisa Mosam1, Joyce Tsoka-Gwegweni2. 1. Dermatology Department, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. 2. School of Public Health and Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Acne is a chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous unit affecting all ethnic groups. It remains in the top 5 skin conditions seen worldwide. The paucity of data characterizing acne in South African Blacks led us to the documentation of types and sequelae of acne. METHODS: This is a cross- sectional study describing the spectrum and variants of acne in 5 tertiary hospitals in the second most populous province in South Africa over 3 months (January 1 - March 31, 2015). RESULTS: Out of 3,814 patients seen in tertiary dermatology clinics, 382 (10%) had a primary diagnosis of acne or rosacea, forming the fourth most common condition seen. Acne accounted for 361 (94.5%); acne vulgaris was the commonest subtype at 273 (75.6%), followed by steroid-induced acne 46 (12.7%), middle-age acne 6 (1.7%), acne excoriée 2 (0.6%), and "undefined" 34 (9.4%). CONCLUSION: The observation of steroid-induced acne as the second most common variant in Black patients underlines the need to enquire about steroid use and education about the complications of using steroid-containing skin-lightening creams. Treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation should be part of the armamentarium for holistic acne treatment in Blacks, as it remains a major concern even after active acne has resolved.
INTRODUCTION: Acne is a chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous unit affecting all ethnic groups. It remains in the top 5 skin conditions seen worldwide. The paucity of data characterizing acne in South African Blacks led us to the documentation of types and sequelae of acne. METHODS: This is a cross- sectional study describing the spectrum and variants of acne in 5 tertiary hospitals in the second most populous province in South Africa over 3 months (January 1 - March 31, 2015). RESULTS: Out of 3,814 patients seen in tertiary dermatology clinics, 382 (10%) had a primary diagnosis of acne or rosacea, forming the fourth most common condition seen. Acne accounted for 361 (94.5%); acne vulgaris was the commonest subtype at 273 (75.6%), followed by steroid-induced acne 46 (12.7%), middle-age acne 6 (1.7%), acne excoriée 2 (0.6%), and "undefined" 34 (9.4%). CONCLUSION: The observation of steroid-induced acne as the second most common variant in Black patients underlines the need to enquire about steroid use and education about the complications of using steroid-containing skin-lightening creams. Treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation should be part of the armamentarium for holistic acne treatment in Blacks, as it remains a major concern even after active acne has resolved.
Authors: N C Dlova; A Chateau; N Khoza; A Skenjane; Z Mkhize; O S Katibi; A Grobler; J T Gwegweni; A Mosam Journal: Br J Dermatol Date: 2017-09-27 Impact factor: 9.302
Authors: Gabriella Fabbrocini; M C Annunziata; V D'Arco; V De Vita; G Lodi; M C Mauriello; F Pastore; G Monfrecola Journal: Dermatol Res Pract Date: 2010-10-14