Diet and Acne in Upper Egypt

摘要

Background: Acne vulgaris is common skin disease in Assuit. Dietary factors were implicated in acne pathogenesis. No previous study examined the influence of diet on acne in Upper Egypt. Aims: The aim was to determine relationship between socio-economic dietary factors with acne in Upper Egypt young adults and to recommend a validated dietery regimen for acne patients. Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 460 participants, 230 male and female acne patients aged 17-30 years attending the outpatient clinic of Assiut & Student University Hospitals and 230 socio-demographically cross-matched healthy volunteers as controls. Three acne severity degrees were assessed by clinical diagnosis. The study began from October 2011 to October 2013. Interviewing questionnaires (socio-demographic dietary data, drug intake) & Anthropometric measurements {body weight, height and body mass index (BMI)} were recorded. Recommended diet regime for acne patients was given. SPSS version 9 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study revealed significantly higher acne prevalence in young (<20 years old), females, patients with high education, medium family income & with positive acne family history. There were significant differences between patients & controls & between different severity degrees of acne patients for consumption of certain food i.e. chocolate, peanut, vegetables, cola & fast food. However, fruits & milk recorded insignificant differences. No significant difference was found in BMI between patients & controls. Conclusion: This suggests that nutrition-related dietary lifestyle factors play a role in acne pathogenesis.