Seasonal aggravation of acne in summers and the effect of temperature and humidity in a study in a tropical setting

Abstract

Summary Background Effect of seasonality on acne and acne flare has varied interpretations depending on the geographical area of study. In tropical areas, factors like high temperature and humidity may cause acne flares. Aims To assess the seasonal variation of acne in patients and to correlate it with the monthly temperature and humidity over a period of 1 year. Methods A cross‐sectional study of acne patients was conducted for one year. The patient's acne was graded. Patients were specifically questioned about aggravation, improvement, or no change in their acne with respect to the seasons. The mean temperature and humidity of each month in Delhi were compared with grade of acne. This variation in acne was correlated with the temperature and humidity. A P‐value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Out of 171 patients, 82 (47.95%) patients reported seasonal variation in their acne. Among them, 69 patients (40.4%) reported aggravation in summer. Eleven (6.42%) and 2 (1.16%) patients reported aggravation in winter and rainy season, respectively. The aggravation in summer as compared to rainy and winter season was statistically significant. The mean temperature and mean humidity significantly varied with seasonal aggravation of acne. Conclusions Both temperature and humidity have a contributing role in pathogenesis of acne and are causes of acne flare. In our study, aggravation of acne was more in summer and rainy season.

A Review of Advancement on Influencing Factors of Acne: An Emphasis on Environment Characteristics

“…An Indian study found 82 (47.95%) out of 171 acne patients reported seasonal variations in the severity level of acne. It was statistically significant that there were more aggravated acne issues for acne patients in summer (average temperature 32.2°C, average humidity 49.8%) as compared to rainy (average temperature 31.0°C, average humidity 68.5%) and winter season (average temperature 15.1°C, average humidity 79.7%) ( 81 ). The study showed that hot weather was risk factors for acne.…”

A prospective study examining trigger factors and hormonal abnormalities in adult female acne

“…Here it must be noted that it is the vehicle that is the culprit and this is compounded by the enhanced comedogenicity with concomitant UV radiation[ 15 26 ] which is one of the possible causes of the reported summer flare in acne. [ 27 ]…”

MASKNE: Mask-Induced Acne Flare During Coronavirus Disease-19. What is it and How to Manage it?

“…It is known that high temperature can affect the rate of sebum secretion. It is also postulated that increased humidity might increase the amount of squalene in the skin [26]. In addition, studies have discovered that increased humidity and excess sweating lead to swelling of the epidermal keratinocytes [27].…”

“…In addition, studies have discovered that increased humidity and excess sweating lead to swelling of the epidermal keratinocytes [27]. All these alterations lead to acute obstruction and acne aggravation [26] (Figure 1).…”