Self-Acne Treatment Among Medical Field Students at Qassim University

Background Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory condition affecting the pilosebaceous units of the skin, with a significant impact on adolescents and young adults. Despite the availability of professional treatments, self-medication practices are prevalent, especially among medical students with easy access to medications and pharmacological knowledge. This study aims to assess the prevalence of self-treatment for acne among medical field students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and to explore their attitudes, practices, and knowledge regarding self-medication. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Qassim University between July and August. An anonymous web-based questionnaire comprising 27 items was distributed to students aged 18 years or older. The survey collected data on demographics, acne presence, self-treatment practices, medication types, and attitudes towards self-medication. Results Of the 180 participants, 63.3% reported self-treating their acne, with females (37.8%) engaging in self-medication more than males (25.6%) (p = 0.003). The face was the most commonly affected area (38.9%). Topical treatments such as tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide were the most frequently used medications, while cleansers were the most common over-the-counter products. Self-medication was driven by perceptions of mild disease severity (23.3%) and easy accessibility to treatments (20%). Notably, 52.2% engaged in self-picking behavior, and while 80.6% believed acne warranted a dermatologist's consultation, many still relied on personal judgment or social media for treatment decisions. Conclusion Self-treatment of acne is highly prevalent among medical students, influenced by perceived disease mildness, accessibility of medications, and pharmacological knowledge. While many students demonstrated awareness of drug dosages and adverse effects, the lack of professional oversight poses risks of treatment failure, skin complications, and psychological distress. These findings highlight the need for educational interventions to promote evidence-based acne management and discourage risky practices such as self-picking. Encouraging students to seek dermatological care and raising awareness of the potential consequences of unsupervised self-treatment are essential for optimizing skin health and overall well-being.