The number of children and young people suffering from acne is increasing worldwide, according to a study which shows that rates in Britain are among the highest in the world.
Acne rates among adolescents and young adults have risen in almost all countries since the 1990s, researchers found. The increase may be related to lifestyle factors such as diet, stress and obesity, broader exposure to air pollution or more people coming forward for help, the team concluded.
Globally, the age-standardized prevalence of acne among people aged 10 to 24 years has increased from 8,563.4 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 9,790.5 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021.
Britain was among the top 10 countries with the highest prevalence of acne among adolescents and young people in 2021.
According to the study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, approximately 14.65% of adolescents and young people in Britain were diagnosed with acne.
This represented an increase from 13.57% in 1990, according to the study, which looked at data on diagnosis rates in 204 countries.
The British Association of Dermatologists (BDA) said the rise in cases could be attributed to lifestyle or environmental factors, or to people being more likely to consult a healthcare provider about their acne.
It added that the actual number of adolescents with acne in Britain would probably be closer to 95% if we take into account people who control their own treatment.
The new research found that the prevalence in 2021 was highest in Germany, where almost 15.98% of teenagers and young adults were diagnosed.
Researchers say the number of acne cases has increased in all countries except New Zealand.
Britain ranks eighth among the countries with the highest prevalence, after Germany, Portugal, Luxembourg, Norway, Andorra, Denmark and San Marino.
Dr. Zhou Zhu, the lead author of the study from Beijing Union Medical College Hospital, said: “Acne rates among adolescents and young adults have gradually increased in almost all countries since the 1990s.
“Our research did not look at the cause of this, but it could be related to lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, obesity, increased exposure to pollution from urbanization, or simply a greater likelihood of needing treatment.
“It is likely that as healthcare becomes more accessible in countries, reported acne rates will increase. However, this is unlikely to be the only factor as even in countries with good access to healthcare, cases have increased.
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“We only looked at healthcare data, which does not include the many people who have acne, but who manage the conditions themselves, so overall acne rates are actually higher.”
Prof Michael Ardern-Jones, academic vice-president of the British Association of Dermatologists, said the study provided further evidence that the number of acne cases seen by doctors is increasing.
“Although many people treat acne themselves with over-the-counter treatments, it is also a common reason to see a doctor or dermatologist.
“Acne is a common condition, but it can be serious. Friends and family play an important role, as do health professionals in providing emotional support, as this can negatively impact mental health, especially in teenagers.
“In addition to the psychological impact of untreated acne, some people also suffer from permanent scarring. However, there are treatments to limit the impact of the condition.
“Ideally, this means ensuring they have access to medical advice and acting quickly to treat those where the disease becomes severe, to avoid scarring.”
Acne ranges from a few spots on the face, neck, back and chest, to a more serious problem with firm painful lumps or cysts under the skin.