A new study published in the British Journal of Dermatology shows that acne diagnosis rates are rising globally and within the UK among adolescents and young adults.

Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study model, the researchers examined detailed data about adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 24, collected over time from 1990 to 2021. The study shows that acne rates among young people in the UK were among the highest globally. There was a steady increase in cases of 0.27% a year on average over three decades. By 2021, 14.6% of adolescents and young people were diagnosed with acne – a 7.4% increase from 1990.

Currently, the number of adolescents with acne in the UK is actually closer to 95% when accounting for people who self-managed their treatment.

Dr Zhou Zhu, the lead author of the research from Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, said: “Acne rates among adolescents and young adults have gradually increased in nearly all countries since the 1990s. Our research didn’t look at why this is, but it could be linked to lifestyle factors like diet, stress, obesity rates, increased exposure to pollution from urbanization, or simply a greater likelihood of seeking treatment.

“It is plausible that, as healthcare becomes more accessible in countries, reported acne rates increase. This is unlikely to be the only factor though, as even in countries with good access to healthcare, cases have increased.

“We only looked at healthcare data, which would not include the many people who have acne but are managing the conditions themselves, so overall acne rates are actually higher.”

The researchers reviewed data from over 204 countries on the number of cases of acne in the population each year and the number of new diagnoses per year, from 1990 to 2021. The highest burden of acne was observed in Western Europe (including the UK), while North Africa and the Middle East experienced the largest increase over the three decades analysed. The research found that rates of acne have been on the rise in all countries, except New Zealand.

Professor Michael Arden-Jones, Academic Vice President of the British Association of Dermatologists said: “This study provides more evidence that the number of acne cases seen by doctors is increasing. While many people manage acne themselves using over-the-counter treatments, it is also a common reason for seeing a GP or a dermatologist.

“Acne is a common condition, but it can be severe. Friends and family have an important role to play, as do health professionals in providing emotional support, as it can have a negative impact on mental health, especially for teenagers. As well as the psychological impact of untreated acne, some people suffer permanent scars. However, there are treatments to limit the impact of the condition. Ideally, this means ensuring they have access to medical advice and acting fast to treat those where it is becoming severe, to prevent scarring.”

Acne is identified by the presence of blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) and pus-filled spots (pustules). Acne ranges from a few spots on the face, neck, back and chest, to a more severe problem with solid painful lumps or cysts under the skin. Acne can cause permanent scarring.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact the media team: comms@bad.org.uk, 07769000415.

For more information on acne, see the BAD’s patient information leaflet: https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/condition/acne/

The BAD also has a dedicated acne website: https://www.acnesupport.org.uk/

Study Details

Title of study: Global, regional, and national burdens of acne vulgaris in adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years from 1990 to 2021: a trend analysis

Study Authors: Zhou Zhu,¹²³ Xiaoying Zhong,³ Zhongyu Luo,⁴* Mingjuan Liu,¹²³ Hanlin Zhang,¹² Heyi Zheng,¹² and Jun Li,¹²**

¹ Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
² State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
³ 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
⁴ Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

*These authors contributed equally to this work.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljae352

About the BAD

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) is the professional membership body for dermatologists in the UK. Founded in 1920, the BAD is a registered charity representing over 2,400 members, dedicated to medical education, professional practice and standards, and research in dermatology.

For further information about the charity, visit www.bad.org.uk.

About the BJD

The British Journal of Dermatology (BJD) is a top-ranked international dermatology journal, publishing the highest-quality research to advance the understanding and management of skin disease to improve patient outcomes. The BJD is one of the journals of the British Association of Dermatologists, the professional membership body for dermatologists in the UK.

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