The epidemiology of acne vulgaris in a multiethnic adolescent population from Rotterdam, the Netherlands: A cross-sectional study

Willemijn C.A.M. Witkam, Susi E. Dal Belo, Sayeh Pourhamidi, Edouard Raynaud, Magali Moreau, Luc Aguilar, Pauline W. Jansen, Tamar E.C. Nijsten, Luba M. Pardo*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
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Abstract

Background: Although acne is a prevalent multifactorial inflammatory skin condition, few studies were performed in multiethnic populations. Objectives: To study the prevalence and determinants of acne in a multiethnic study at the start of puberty. Methods: This cross-sectional study is embedded in Generation R, a population-based prospective study from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Three-dimensional facial photos at the center visit in 2016-2019 (of ∼13-year-olds) were used to grade acne severity using the Global Evaluation of the Acne Severity (GEA). Analyses were stratified by biological sex and explored through chi-square tests and multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Results: A total of 4561 children (51% girls) with a median age of 13.5 (IQR 13.3-13.6) were included. The visible acne prevalence (GEA 2-5) for girls vs boys was 62% vs 45% and moderate-to-severe acne (GEA 3-5) 14% vs 9%. Higher puberty stages (adjusted odds ratios: 1.38 [1.20-1.59] and 2.16 [1.86-2.51] for girls and boys, respectively) and darker skin colors V and VI (adjusted odds ratios: 1.90 [1.17-3.08] and 2.43 [1.67-3.56]) were associated with more severe acne in both sexes, and being overweight in boys (adjusted odds ratio: 1.58 [1.15-2.17]). Limitations: Cross-sectional design. Conclusions: Acne prevalence was high at the age of 13 years and was associated with advanced puberty, darker skin color, and weight status.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)552-560
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume90
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2024

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© 2023 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc.

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