Epidemiology and extracutaneous comorbidities of severe acne in adolescence: a U.S. population-based study

Summary Background Little is known about the epidemiology of severe acne in the U.S. Objectives We sought to study the U.S. prevalence, determinants and comorbidities of severe acne in adolescence. Methods We analysed data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, a cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study of 9417 children ages 0–17 years. Prevalence of severe acne, demographics and comorbid disorders were determined. Results The U.S. prevalence of severe acne was virtually nil in the first decade of life, but increased in a linear fashion from 11 years [1·7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0·4–3·0%)] to 17 years of age [12·1% (95% CI 7·8–16·5%)] (Rao‐Scott Chi‐square, P