Spot on: Investigating acne vulgaris in a multiethnic adolescent population

Acne vulgaris (acne) is a prevalent and chronic skin condition with a significant psychological burden. The symptoms of acne vary between individuals depending on its severity. To understand which demographic, genetic, microbial, and environmental factors are associated with acne severity in young adolescents, it is crucial to conduct studies within large population-based settings. By identifying these specific factors, we can classify the adolescents most affected and in need of early, more aggressive, or tailored interventions.
First, we investigated acne prevalence and evaluated the treatment gap. Then, we studied associations between demographic and environmental factors associated with acne severity. Next, we compared the facial cutaneous microbiota compositions of acne cases and controls. Lastly, we deepened our understanding of the genetic architecture of acne itself and broadened our scope to study genetic overlap with other diseases previously clinically associated with acne.
In the final chapter, we interpreted the results in a broader context while taking the methodological limitations into account. Finally, we offer recommendations for further research and clinical practice based on our findings.