Clinico-epidemiological profile of acne vulgaris and its relationship with insulin resistance in males vs females: A comparative study

Abstract

Aim: To analyse the clinico-epidemiological profile of acne vulgaris and its relationship with insulin resistance among males and females. Material and Method: The present cross sectional observational study was conducted in the department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy at Chattrapati Shivaji Subharti Hospital from November 2018 to April 2020 for 1 and a half among 500 clinically diagnosed patients of acne vulgaris attending the out-patient department. General physical examination including BMI, anthropometry which includes height, weight, triceps skin thickness and waist/hip ratio was done. Investigations comprised of fasting blood sugar and fasting insulin levels. These assess the insulin resistance based on HOMA-IR. Results: Out of 500 subjects, 262 (52.4%) were males and 238 (47.6%) were females. The mean age of the study group was 21.63 years. Males with BMI>25 kg/m2 reported more acne vulgaris as compared to females with statistically significant difference. Overall, males underwent more stress than females. 53.84% of the patients consuming High Glycemic diet were males and rest females. Mean HOMA-IR was found more in grade IV acne among males as well as females. A positive correlation was seen as the fasting insulin levels and the HOMA-IR values were more in subjects with more severe acne. Conclusion: Education about acne is necessary in schools and among the public, so that one knows where to seek appropriate advice and receive early effective treatment so as to prevent complications, both transient and permanent.