Acne as Seen by Adolescents: Results of Questionnaire Study in 852 French Individuals

Abstract

Acne can have an important psychological impact. We surveyed 852 adolescents aged 12-25 years about their knowledge of acne and its treatment in a non-medical context. The study involved a questionnaire administered to callers to a youth telephone helpline in France. Callers were categorized into those who currently had acne, those who had had acne previously, and those who had never had acne. Most respondents (66.2%) had experienced acne symptoms, which were mild in 50.2% of cases and severe in 16% of cases. Often, acne had been long-lasting (>12 months in 49.6% of cases). Many thought that gender, excess weight, eating dairy products, and physical activity did not influence acne, and that frequent washing could improve acne. Eating chocolate and snacks, smoking cigarettes, sweating, not washing, touching/squeezing spots, eating fatty foods, using make-up, pollution, and menstruation were thought to worsen acne. The majority (80.8%) did not believe acne to be a disease, but rather a normal phase of adolescence, yet 69.3% agreed it should be treated. There was a preference for topical vs. systemic treatment. Many (38.6%) of the respondents with acne had not consulted a physician. Almost two-thirds of respondents wanted more information about acne. Providing more information about acne might increase the likelihood of them consulting a physician and getting better treatment for the condition.

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards acne vulgaris among acne patients

“…This is in line with the study done on French individuals where 75% knew that acne lesions worsen by squeezing. 10 This observation is in contrast to that found in the study done by P Ganga where only 37% knew that acne worsened by these acts. 9 Interestingly, S Al Mashat in his study found that 11% of the study subjects thought that acne would improve by picking or squeezing.…”

“…6,10 Conversely, CM Tahir found only 16% considered cosmetics as an aggravating factor for acne in his study. 12 Genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of acne.…”

“…Similar results were reported in other studies. 6,8,10 Regarding knowledge score, 72% had good knowledge about the causes and aggravating factors of acne. There was significant association between knowledge score and age, SES and education (p <0.05).…”

“…This is in contrast to other study findings where frequent face washing was practiced to ameliorate acne. 6,10,11,22 Over the counter medications were practiced by 74%. Similar results were observed by Brajac I where most of them used medical creams as over the counter medication to treat acne.…”

“…This is comparable to the study done by Poli F, 32% did not report to a dermatologist believing acne would resolve spontaneously. 10 Majority of the study subjects did not answer for the self care practices done to prevent acne. 29% told that they wash their face regularly to prevent from acne.…”