PATTERN AND PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH ACNE VULGARIS

BACKGROUND Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicles. It is believed to be the most common disease of the skin. Both sexes are affected, but the disease tends to be more severe in males. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to assess the profile of acne vulgaris, its seasonal variation and possible correlation between it and markers of androgenicity in females. METHOD The study was conducted over a period of 6 months from June 2015 to November 2015. All patients with acne vulgaris attending our Outpatient Department (OPD) were included. The parameters considered include age, gender, age of onset, duration, site and type of lesions, grade, relationship with menstrual cycle, markers of androgenicity, seasonal variation and any complications. Acne vulgaris was graded using a simple grading system, which classifies acne vulgaris into four grades. RESULTS A total of 4362 patients were included in the study. The frequency of acne vulgaris in our study was 12.5%. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. The maximum number of patients belonged to the age group 16-20 years (54.1%); 327 (60%) patients had lesions only on the face followed by involvement of other areas like chest, arms and back. The most common type of lesions were closed comedones. A total of 41.5% patients had grade 2, 27.4% had grade 1, 19.5% had grade 3 and 11.6% had grade 4. Male patients had more severe acne vulgaris; 11.1% of females gave a history of irregular menstrual periods; 12% of females had some marker of androgenicity. In 17.06% patients, summer exacerbation was seen. The most common complication was post acne hyperpigmentation (41.8%) followed by post acne scarring. CONCLUSION This study brings out the clinical profile of acne vulgaris in a tertiary care hospital.