Frequency and characteristics of acne-related post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pigmentation Disorders

Background:

• Acne vulgaris frequently presents with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in individuals with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick phototypes III-VI).
• Acne-related PIH can be a more significant patient concern than active acne lesions.
• Limited formal research exists on the prevalence and characteristics of acne-related PIH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the frequency and characteristics of PIH in acne patients across seven Asian countries.
• To understand the patient-reported bother and duration of acne-related PIH.

Main Methods:

• A preliminary evaluation by the Asian Acne Board assessed 324 sequential acne subjects for PIH.
• Data collected included acne severity, demographics, and presence/duration of PIH.
• Patient-reported bother and excoriation habits were also recorded.

Main Results:

• 58.2% of acne patients consulting a dermatologist presented with PIH.
• The majority of subjects had mild to moderate acne (80.2%), with a higher prevalence of females (63.0%).
• PIH was long-lasting, with over half persisting for at least 1 year and 22.3% for 5+ years. Patients reported PIH as highly bothersome, sometimes more so than acne itself. Excoriation was a common patient-reported factor.

Conclusions:

• Acne-related PIH is highly prevalent in Asian acne patients seeking dermatological care.
• PIH significantly impacts patients' quality of life due to its persistence and bothersomeness.
• Patient education regarding excoriation may help mitigate PIH severity.