Myths, Perceptions and Practices in Acne: A Study on Adolescents and Young Adults

Background and aim: Acne vulgaris is a worldwide disease, affecting 85% of adolescents and young adults. Psychological burden of the disease can be profound and may even exceed its physical impact. Adolescents often seek information from a variety of sources, which contributes misinformation and misconceptions. The aim of the present study was to investigate perspectives and attitudes of adolescents and young adults towards acne. Material and Methods: A total of 318 consecutive patients with acne vulgaris (236 female, 82 male) were prospectively enrolled over a period of 4 months. Following a thorough dermatological examination, patients were graded according to Investigator's Global Assessment scale for disease severity. Patients were asked to respond a 28-item self-administered questionnaire, which consisted of questions on beliefs, perceptions and practices of the patients towards acne. Results: 63.5% of the patients considered acne as a ‘must be treated disease’ and 96.5% believed that treatment should be given by a dermatologist. 84.6% of the patients presumed that dietary changes may reduce or prevent acne lesions, while 95% regarded some dietary factors as aggravating. Female patients more frequently assumed acne as a hormonal disease. Patients with university education considered high water intake and increased fruit and vegetable consumption as ameliorating factors for acne. Conclusion: The overall knowledge about acne was found to be poor. These data confirm the need for public awareness and education on acne.