ACNE VULGARIS: AN INSIGHT

Context: Acne vulgaris, a very common malady of adolescents, is well known and easily recognized. Acne is a “polymorphic” disorder which exhibits series of widespread and diverse lesions. Four key factors have been identified in the etiology of acne: increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization of the pilosebaceous unit with Propioni bacterium acnes and the production of inflammation. Aims: To observe demographic and clinical profile of acne vulgaris patients. Settings and Design: The present study was carried out in the dermatology, venereology and leprosy department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. It was a prospective and observational study. Methods and Material: The study was carried out over a period from Jan 2013 to Feb 2014. The study protocol, performa and other documents approved by IEC. Statistical Analysis: Data was recorded and analysed in Microsoft Excel 2007 spread sheet. Results: Majority of the patients were from 12-20 years of age group. Most of the patients were female, unmarried, students, educated up to secondary level and had pityriasis infection as most common co-morbid condition. Gradual onset of acne was commonly observed with itching as most common accompanying complaint and sunlight as a common precipitating factor. Cheeks were the most common location of acne and majority of them suffered from moderate grade of acne. Conclusion: Studies elaborating demographic and clinical profile of acne patients may lead to a pace of more successful treatment of this ailment. This could be a ray of hope to new promising modalities for acne patients.