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. 2014 Feb;7(2):22-30.

Understanding the burden of adult female acne

Emil A Tanghetti  1 , Ariane K Kawata  2 , Selena R Daniels  3 , Karen Yeomans  4 , Caroline T Burk  5 , Valerie D Callender  6
Affiliations

Understanding the burden of adult female acne

Emil A Tanghetti et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 Feb.

Abstract

Objective: Typically regarded as an adolescent condition, acne among adult females is also prevalent. Limited data are available on the clinical characteristics and burden of adult female acne. The study objective was to describe clinical characteristics and psychosocial impact of acne in adult women.

Design: Cross-sectional, web-based survey.

Setting: Data were collected from a diverse sample of United States females.

Participants: Women ages 25 to 45 years with facial acne (≥25 visible lesions).

Measurements: Outcomes included sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, perceptions, coping behaviors, psychosocial impact of acne (health-related quality of life using acne-specific Quality of Life questionnaire and psychological status using Patient Health Questionnaire), and work/productivity.

Results: A total of 208 women completed the survey (mean age 35±6 years), comprising White/Caucasian (51.4%), Black/African American (24.5%), Hispanic/Latino (11.1%), Asian (7.7%), and Other (5.3%). Facial acne presented most prominently on cheeks, chin, and forehead and was characterized by erythema, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Average age of adult onset was 25±6 years, and one-third (33.7%) were diagnosed with acne as an adult. The majority (80.3%) had 25 to 49 visible facial lesions. Acne was perceived as troublesome and impacted self-confidence. Makeup was frequently used to conceal acne. Facial acne negatively affected health-related quality of life, was associated with mild/moderate symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, and impacted ability to concentrate on work or school.

Conclusion: RESULTS highlight the multifaceted impact of acne and provide evidence that adult female acne is under-recognized and burdensome.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Survey participant disposition
Figure 2
Figure 2
Severity of facial acne. Note: Participants were asked about current facial acne (today) as part of screening eligibility and facial acne on average over the last four weeks (overall).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Severity of facial acne. Note: Participants were asked about current facial acne (today) as part of screening eligibility and facial acne on average over the last four weeks (overall).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Acne location: Prominent areas of facial acne. Note: N=208; response options were not mutually exclusive; percentages may sum to more than 100 percent.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Most troublesome acne sign. Note: N=172; percentage of female patients who assigned a ranking of 1 (most troublesome) for each acne sign.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Confidence and attractiveness without makeup to cover acne
Figure 5
Figure 5
Confidence and attractiveness without makeup to cover acne
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