Large prospective study on adult acne in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula: risk factors, demographics, and clinical characteristics

Background Acne vulgaris is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory skin disease involving the pilosebaceous unit. The prevalence of acne is high during adolescence and is known to persist into adulthood; however, the characteristics of adult acne have not been well established. In the adult population, acne has been associated with psychosocial repercussions impacting the quality of life of those who suffer it, especially in female patients. Methods This study assessed the demographic and clinical characteristics of 1,384 patients between the ages of 25 and 60 years from 21 countries in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, with the purpose of identifying parameters for the severity of the disease, its links to demographic, biological, social, and environmental factors, and potential triggers. Results Gender differences in severity and location of the lesions were identified. In a univariate analysis, the male gender, use of cosmetics, age of onset of adolescence, and signs of hyperandrogenism were associated with acne severity. Conclusions The characteristics of adult acne may vary from those of adolescent acne, although the disease presentations are generally similar. Further research is needed to establish similarities and differences in manifestations of adult acne versus adolescent acne.