Statistics on Acne Prevalence

Acne is considered as one of the most widespread skin diseases in the United States. Almost everyone is affected at one time or another. In general, acne develops in puberty and until the early 20’s and is not contagious.

Acne is caused by the excess production of sebum, a type of oil produced by the sebaceous glands. Acne appears in a variety of forms: they may be whiteheads, blackheads and mild inflammatory acne. More severe types are nodular acnes and cystic acnes. Most people are susceptible and it affects all ages, genders and races.

Acne can be blamed on one or more of the following factors: genetics, hormones, chemical reactions to medicines, use of cosmetics (either oil-based or not), stress, physical irritation, and environmental factors such as temperature, heat, and pollutants.

Statistically, 85% of teenagers are likely to suffer from acne outbreaks between the ages 12 to 24. Additionally, 25% of these people will suffer from permanent scars ranging from light to severe.

According to the American Dermatologists Association
1) 25 % of adults suffer from active acne.
2) 60M Americans experience active acne.
3) 20M Americans are likely to suffer from acne-generated scars.
4) Only 1 in 10 of acne sufferers seek medical assistance.
5) Acne is regarded as a social taboo.

Although acne can be treated, only:
1) 1 in 10 of acne sufferere will seek a physician’s help.
2) 20% will go to a skin center.
3) 30% will use over the counter medications, which are brought from drugstores and pharmacies to personally treat acne.
4) 40% will not do anything about their skin disorder.

Three quarters of tretinoin prescriptions were written for patients in their thirties and older. Tretinoin is also used in treating damage skin cells.

Acne is the most prevalent skin disease in the U.S.A. This is also true of other Western countries. A possible cause may be the unhealthy diet of many Americans, but the relation of diet and acne is still not proved. Nonetheless, it is observable that people who do not follow western diets are less likely to develop severe acne conditions, and in many cases if they do experience acne it is in the mildest form.

Acne is neither caused by dirt, improper hygiene nor unhealthy diet. It is due to the over excretion of the sebaceous glands found in the middle layer of the skin. The following may cause the overproduction of the oily substance named sebum in the skin:

• Hormones- over excitability of hormones androgens and testosterone.
• Heat- increased circulation and extreme body heat due to vigorous activities.
• Friction- tight clothing may irritate the skin and induce the skin to produce extra sebum.
• Irritation- over scrubbing of the skin.
• Poor diet- lack of certain essential minerals and vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E.

Statistics on Acne Prevalence

Acne Articles