CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN MILD TO MODERATE ACNE VULGARIS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN CAN THO, VIETNAM IN 2024–2026

Quoc Khanh Tran 1, Thanh Dat Nguyen1, Nguyet Que Nguyen1, Thi Kim Ngan Nguyen 1,
1 Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, commonly affecting adolescents and young adults, with a reported prevalence ranging from 70% to 80% among this population. In mild to moderate cases, the disease is characterized by polymorphic lesions, including comedones, inflammatory papules, and pustules, predominantly distributed on the face, chest, and back. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics and associated factors of patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris in Can Tho from 2024 to 2026. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 126 patients diagnosed with mild to moderate acne vulgaris in Can Tho from 2024 to 2026. Results: The 19–24 age group accounted for the highest proportion (42.9%), with a mean age of 22.8 ± 5.9 years; females predominated (69.8%). Students were the most common occupation (45.2%). Most patients had Fitzpatrick skin type IV (60.3%), with oily (53.2%) and combination skin (34.9%) being the most prevalent. The mean disease duration was 34.9 ± 23.1 months, and topical therapy was the most commonly used treatment (45.2%). Clinically, most patients were asymptomatic (71.4%), and non-inflammatory lesions predominated, with a high prevalence of whiteheads and blackheads. Acne lesions were mainly located on the face (100%), followed by the back (39.7%) and chest (21.4%). The majority of patients had mild (60.3%) and moderate (39.7%) acne. Common associated factors included menstrual cycle (69%), high intake of sugary and fatty foods (62.7%), psychological stress, and family history (both 53.2%). Conclusions: Mild to moderate acne vulgaris predominantly affects young females and is mainly characterized by non-inflammatory lesions with a predilection for the facial area. Common associated factors include menstrual cycle, high consumption of sugary and fatty foods, family history, and psychological stress. 

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References

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