Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the psychosocial impact, quality of life (QoL), and self-treatment practices among individuals with acne.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 306 participants who met the inclusion criteria. Data on demographics, acne severity, QoL, and self-treatment practices were collected using structured questionnaires.
Results: Among the 306 participants, the majority were female (n = 241, 78.8%), and most were younger than 18 years (n = 182, 59.5%). Oily skin was the most common skin type (n = 135, 44.1%), and 46.4% (n = 142) had acne for 0 - 6 months. Moderate acne scars were prevalent (n = 141, 46.1%), and post-acne hyperpigmentation was observed in 64.4% (n = 197). Gender was not significantly associated with acne site (p-value = 0.598), duration (p-value = 0.296), or scarring (p-value = 0.673), but post-acne hyperpigmentation was significantly more common in females (p-value = 0.005). Acne severity correlated with duration (p-value = 0.001) and scarring (p < 0.001). No significant predictors were found for severe acne or poor QoL (p > 0.05). Acne impacted self-consciousness in 41.2% (n = 126) and work/study in 13.1% (n = 40) of participants.
Conclusion: Acne primarily affects adolescents, with oily skin and moderate scarring being common. While gender was not significantly associated with acne characteristics, post-acne hyperpigmentation was more prevalent among females. Acne severity correlated with longer duration and scarring, contributing to self-consciousness, and disruptions in daily activities. These findings emphasize the psychosocial burden of acne and highlight the need for holistic management approaches.

Key words: Acne Vulgaris, quality of life, adolescents, high school students, Saudi Arabia