ACNE VULGARIS IN SKIN OF COLOR

R. Calcaterra, G. Franco, M. Valenzano, R. Fazio, A. Morrone

2ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE "SEBACEOUS GLAND, ACNE, ROSACEA AND RELATED DISORDERS-BASIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH, CLINICAL ENTITIES AND TREATMENT"
Roma, 13-16 Settembre 2008

Objective: Acne vulgaris is a disease commonly occurring in persons with skin of color. The onset of this condition is usually in the teen years, however the lesions continue into adulthood.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical records of patients of skin of color, referring to the Outpatients Division of the Department of Preventive Medicine for Migration, Tourism and Tropical Dermatology of San Gallicano Institute – IRCCS in Rome was carried out, aimed to assess the prevalence of the disease and the demographic and clinical features of the patients affected.
Result: Among 10.527 patients referred to our Department from January 2005 to December 2007 we observed 562 cases of acne vulgaris (201 male, 361 female). Conclusion: Acne may have different manifestations and sequela in people
with ethnic skin. Several significant differences in clinical presentation of acne vulgaris in skin of color as compared with white skin were reported. Firstly, the presence of the acne hyperpigmented macule (AHM) lesion, as documented by both patient histories as well as physician’s evaluations. The relatively large percentage of patients evidencing the AHM underscores the importance of including it with the other well-described lesions of acne (comedones, papules,
pustules, and the cysts). Secondly, the response to therapeutic agents may vary in people with skin of color. Dermatologists must be equipped to address the unique characteristics of acne vulgaris in people with ethnic skin and the special needs of this patient population.