[Acne in women: clinical patterns in different age-groups].

BACKGROUND

Acne is a frequent skin disease that occurs in both sexes and all age-groups. Women present several clinical disease patterns; moreover, persistence after adolescence is common.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze clinical and epidemiological characteristics associated with different age-groups affected by acne in women.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study involving female patients diagnosed with acne, at a general dermatology outpatient clinic. Variables related to disease and patients were assessed through a standardized questionnaire.

RESULTS

One hundred and three women were assessed. The average age of patients at the time of the consultation was 21.7 +/- 7.3 years. Two groups were defined (cut-off age of 21 years), with means of 15.8 +/- 2.3 and 28.0 +/- 5.1 years. There was correlation between disease duration and current age (R=0.7). There were group differences among frequencies of covariables: combined oral contraceptive (OR=48.1), lesions located on upper chest (OR=11.6), lesions on upper dorsum (OR=0.2), predominance on upper half of face (OR=0.1) and age at disease onset (OR=1.8). Among adult women, 80% reported acne onset before 20 years of age.

CONCLUSION

Chronologic and topographic patterns of female acne in different age-groups were defined, reinforcing the importance of an individualized diagnostic and therapeutic approach.