Statistics on Acne Prevalence

Acne is considered as one of the most prevalent skin diseases in the United States. It nearly affects almost one hundred percent of the entire population. In general, this skin condition develops mainly in puberty and until the early 20’s, but it is not contagious.

This skin disorder is caused by the excess production of sebum, a specific type of oil produced through the sebaceous glands. Acne appears in a variety of forms: they may be whiteheads, blackheads and mild inflammatory acne. On the other hand, the more severe types are nodular acnes and cystic acnes. Most people are susceptible to this skin disease, it affects all ages, genders and races.

Causes of acne production by the skin may include one or a combination of factors such as genetics, hormones, chemical reactions by the body to the medicine intake of the person affected, 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 generate permanent scars that will range from light to severe condition. In line with this, the American Dermatologists Association stated that:

1. 25 % of people undergoing adulthood suffer from active acne.
2. 60M Americans experience active acne.
3. 20M Americans are likely to suffer from acne-generated scars.
4. A maximum of 11% of all acne sufferers seek medical assistance.
5. Acne is regarded as a social taboo.

Also, it was found out that although acne can be completely treated by various methods, only:

1. 11% of acne-afflicted individuals will seek a physician’s help.
2. 20% goes to a skin center.
3. 30% will make use of 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.

It was found out through a survey that 75% of prescribed tretinoin was written for 33-year old patients. Tretinoin is also used in treating damage skin cells. Also, 63% of prescribed tretinoin applies for people aged 40.

This skin disorder still remains the most prevalent skin disease in the U.S.A. This goes to show with other Western regions as well. The reason points out to the unhealthy diet of many Americans. However, there is still no statistically proven relation with diet and acne breakouts. Nonetheless, it is observable that people who are not following 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.

To stress the point, acne is neither caused by dirt, improper hygiene nor unhealthy diet. Ultimately, it is due to the over excretion of the sebaceous glands found in the middle layer of the skin or the dermis. 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.