Journal
BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
Volume 157, Issue 3, Pages 547-551Publisher
BLACKWELL PUBLISHING
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.08087.x
Keywords
acne; antibiotic resistance; Asian; prevalence
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Background There are few studies on the prevalence of acne vulgaris among Asian teenagers. Objectives To determine the epidemiology of acne in teenagers in Singapore. Methods A community- based cross- sectional study in 1045 adolescents aged 13 19 years. Results Of these respondents, 88% identified themselves as having acne. Eight hundred and six of these respondents were examined by a dermatologist, and 51 4% were classified as having mild acne, 40% moderate acne and 8 6% severe acne. Isolation of Propionibacterium acnes was attempted in 262 subjects. Cultures were positive in 174 subjects, giving an isolation rate of 66 4%. Antibiotic- resistant strains of P. acnes were detected in 26 isolates ( 14 9%). Eleven of these 26 subjects ( 42%) had previously been treated or were presently on antibiotic treatment for acne, but the other 58% of students who had antibiotic- resistant strains of P. acnes did not give a history of prior antibiotic therapy. Teenagers expressed psychological distress over acne, and believed that hormonal factors, diet and hygiene were important factors in causing acne. Conclusions There is a need for accessible, accurate education on acne and its appropriate treatment.
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