Authors: Yosipovitch, Gil; Tang, Mark; Dawn, Aerlyn G.; Chen, Mark; Goh, Chee Leok; Chan, Yiong Huak; Seng, Lim Fong

Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica, Volume 87, Number 2, March 2007 , pp. 135-139(5)

Publisher: Medical Journals Limited

Abstract:

Sebum production is thought to play a major role in acne vulgaris in adolescents. Psychological stress may exacerbate acne; however, it is not known whether the perceived association between stress and acne exacerbation is due to increased sebum production. The aims of this study were to determine: (i) if psychological stress in adolescents is associated with increased sebum production; and (ii) if stress is associated with increased acne severity independent of, or in conjunction with, increased sebum production. Ninety-four secondary school students in Singapore (mean age 14.9 years) were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. During a high stress condition (prior to mid-year examinations) and a low stress condition (during the summer holidays), the following were evaluated: (i) self-reported stress level using the Perceived Stress Scale; (ii) sebum level at baseline and at 1 h; and (iii) acne severity. The prevalence of self-reported acne in this study population was high (95% in males and 92% in females). Most subjects had mild to moderate acne. Sebum measurements did not differ significantly between the high stress and low stress conditions. For the study population as a whole, we observed a statistically significant positive correlation (r =0.23, p =0.029) between stress levels and severity of acne papulopustulosa. In adolescents, psychological stress does not appear to affect the quantity of sebum production. The study suggests a significant association between stress and severity of acne papulopustulosa, especially in males. Increased acne severity associated with stress may result from factors other than sebum quantity.

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Keywords: ACNE; ADOLESCENTS; SEBUM; PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2340/00015555-0231

Publication date: 2007-03-01

More about this publication?

• Acta Dermato-Venereologica is a bi-monthly international peer-reviewed journal for clinical and experimental research in the field of dermatology and venereology.
  
  It was founded in 1920 by Johan Almqvist and edited during 1936-1969 by Sven Hellerström. Since 1970, the journal has been published for the Society for the Publication of Acta Dermato-Venereologica on a non-profit basis.
  
  Acta Dermato-Venereologica publishes high-quality manuscripts in English dealing with new observations on basic dermatological and venereological research, as well as clinical investigations. Each volume also features a number of review articles in special areas, as well as short Letters to the Editor to stimulate debate and to disseminate important clinical observations. AActa Dermato-Venereologica has rapid publication times and is amply illustrated with a large number of colour photographs to enhance understanding.
  
  Acta Dermato-Venereologica covers inter alia:

  • ~ Atopic dermatitis and contact allergy
  • ~ Facial dermatoses and adnexal disorders
  • ~ New treatments
  • ~ Psoriasis and genodermatoses
  • ~ Psychodermatology
  • ~ Sexually transmitted diseases
  • ~ Skin biology and inflammation
  • ~ Skin cancer and pigmentation
  • ~ Skin immunology and lymphoma
  • ~ Urticaria and itch

  
  Extensive papers, proceedings from congresses and symposia are printed as supplements to the journal. Announcements concerning pertinent dermatological meetings and books received are also published.
  Readership: Doctors and scientists interested in dermatology, skin biology and venereology.
  
  Acta Dermato-Venereologica has an impact factor of 3.007.
  
  Issues between 1998 up to 2005 can be found at http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content

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