Epidemiological Trends in Acne Vulgaris: Global Insights and Regional Variations

Global Trends and Regional Variations in Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Background: To investigate the epidemiological trends of acne vulgaris in Peshawar, Pakistan, focusing on demographic factors, severity, and associated comorbidities. Objective: The objective was to identify patterns that could influence clinical decision-making and suggest targeted interventions for acne treatment. Study Design: Retrospective study. Settings: Tertiary care hospital, Peshawar Pakistan. Duration: June 2020 to June 2021. Methods: A total of 1,000 patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris. Data were collected from medical records, and patients were grouped based on age, sex, and acne severity. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Of the total patients, 64% were males, and 36% were females. The mean age of patients was 22 years (range: 15–40 years). Moderate to severe acne was observed in 72% of the patients. Comorbidities, such as hyperhidrosis and obesity, were found in 25% and 18% of the patients, respectively. Statistically significant associations were noted between age and acne severity (p<0.01). Conclusion: Acne vulgaris remains a significant health concern in Peshawar, particularly among young adults. The study highlights the need for targeted clinical interventions, considering both acne severity and comorbidities. Further multicentre studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore additional factors contributing to acne prevalence.