Clinicoepidemiological Profile of Acne Vulgaris in a Dermatology Outpatient Department

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory dermatosis in adolescents and young adults, with variable clinical presentation and frequent residual sequelae such as scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Objectives: To assess the clinicoepidemiological profile of acne vulgaris among patients attending a dermatology outpatient department.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 90 patients with acne vulgaris attending the dermatology outpatient department. Data on demographic profile, duration, family history, distribution, lesion morphology, Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score, severity, seasonal variation, scarring, and post-acne hyperpigmentation were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The mean age was 20.11±4.38 years. Females constituted 63.3% of the study population. Most patients were from urban areas (67.8%), and students formed the largest occupational group (45.6%). The mean duration of acne was 22.77±17.64 months, and 57.8% had a positive family history. Papules were the commonest predominant lesion (41.1%). Moderate acne was the most frequent severity category (34.4%), followed by mild acne (33.3%). The mean GAGS score was 24.94±11.57. Post-acne scarring and post-acne hyperpigmentation were observed in 27.8% and 35.6% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion: Acne vulgaris in this cohort predominantly affected young individuals, especially females, and was commonly associated with moderate disease, positive family history, and residual pigmentary or scarring changes. Early evaluation and timely treatment may help reduce long-term sequelae.