An epidemiological study of acne in female adults: results of a survey conducted in France.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional survey without direct clinical examination or longitudinal follow-up
PubMed 11843213 · doi:10.1046/j.1468-3083.2001.00357.x
What was done
A cross-sectional survey evaluated the prevalence of acne, associated lifestyle factors, skin type, and quality of life in adult French women. A self-administered questionnaire, pre-validated by three dermatologists with predefined criteria for acne severity, was mailed to 4,000 women aged 25–40 years. A total of 3,394 women completed the questionnaire, of which 3,305 were usable for analysis.
What was found
Total acne prevalence was 41% (17% clinical acne, 24% physiological acne). Among women with acne, 49% had acne sequelae (scars and/or pigmented macules), and 41% had late-onset acne without a history of adolescent acne. Premenstrual flares were reported by 78% and stress by 50% as causing acne. Currently, 22% of acne subjects were receiving therapy. For most patients, acne did not severely impair quality of life.
Why it matters
This study establishes that acne frequently persists or begins in adulthood, affecting over 40% of adult women aged 25–40 years, with substantial sequelae despite low treatment rates.
Limits
Acne diagnosis, severity, and triggers were self-reported via questionnaire rather than verified through clinical dermatological examination. The sample was restricted to French women aged 25–40, limiting generalizability to other populations, age groups, or men.
Cited by
- partial Approximately 40% of adults experience adult-onset acne.