Living with Acne: Belief and Perception in a Sample of Indian Youths

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common disease among adolescent. There is paucity of information on knowledge and understanding of acne patients about their condition. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to evaluate beliefs and perception of acne patient toward their understanding of disease, treatment option, and information source. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on acne patients by means of a questionnaire during 2013–2014 at MMIMSR, Ambala. An adapted version of questionnaire of Brigitte et al. was used and was modified to suit Indian sentiments. RESULTS: A total of 200 acne patients were participated in the study. Mean age of participants was 19.80 years. Male:female ratio was 2:1. Causes implicated were diet (85%), puberty (65%), and mood swings (46%). Fatty food and stress were most common agents held responsible for acne flaring. Popular sources of information were friends and parents. 102 patients had used steroids one way or the other. Acne was considered curable by 65% with an anticipated duration of treatment lasting up to 12 months. CONCLUSION: Misconceptions are widespread among the population. A health education program is needed which should be included in school curriculum to improve their understanding of the condition.