We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Study of Psychological Stress, Sebum Production and Acne Vulgaris in Adolescents.
- Authors
Yosipovitch, Gil; Tang, Mark; Dawn, Aerlyn G.; Chen, Mark; Chee Leok Goh; Yiong Huak Chan; Lim Fong Seng
- 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.
- Subjects
SEBUM; ACNE; EXOCRINE secretions; SEBACEOUS glands; SEBACEOUS gland diseases; SKIN inflammation
- Publication
Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 2007, Vol 87, Issue 2, p135
- ISSN
0001-5555
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2340/00015555-0231