UK among countries with highest rates of acne for young people, study shows

A new review has revealed that UK teenagers and young people are among those with the highest rates of acne globally.

In 2021, the UK was listed in the top 10 countries for the highest prevalence of acne diagnosed among adolescents and young people. The report also suggests that all countries with the highest rates of doctor-diagnosed acne have experienced an increase since 1990.

According to the study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, approximately 14.65% of UK adolescents and young people were diagnosed with acne. This figure represents an increase from 13.57% in 1990, as per the study which analysed data on diagnosis rates among individuals aged 10 to 24 across 204 countries.

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The British Association of Dermatologists (BDA) suggested that the rise in cases could be due to people seeking medical advice about their acne more promptly. Environmental or lifestyle factors could also contribute to this trend, according to the BDA.

The association further stated that when considering those who self-manage their treatment, the number of adolescents with acne in the UK is closer to 95%. The review found that the highest prevalence in 2021 was in Germany, where nearly 15.98% of teenagers and young adults were diagnosed.

Except for New Zealand, researchers noted that acne rates have been increasing in all countries. Among the countries with the highest prevalence, the UK ranks eighth, following Germany, Portugal, Luxembourg, Norway, Andorra, Denmark, and San Marino.

Dr Zhou Zhu, from the Department of Dermatology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, revealed: "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 urbanisation, 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.

Professor Michael Arden-Jones, of the British Association of Dermatologists, commented: "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 varies from just a handful of spots on the face, neck, back and chest to a more serious condition involving solid, painful lumps or cysts beneath the skin.