The Acne Disability Index: usefulness confirmed.

One hundred and four patients with acne completed a questionnaire derived from the Cardiff Acne Disability Index Questionnaire. In addition, 59% of patients returned an identical follow-up questionnaire 6 months later. Significant disability from acne was identified in many patients, with the median initial Acne Disability Index (ADI) being 6 (maximum possible 15), improving to 3 after treatment. Scores correlated poorly with the clinical severity of acne. The questionnaire proved useful for identifying patients with poor self-image who might benefit from more potent treatment for their acne, and to evaluate the effect of treatment.