Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Acne Vulgaris in Some Private Hospitals in Kinshasa

Abstract

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory pathology of the pilosebaceous follicle, preferentially affecting adolescents, and also adults. On average, one acne sufferer in two seeks medical attention. This study aims to describe the epidemiological and clinical features of acne in our environment.

Methodology: Retrospective, multicenter study of patients treated for acne in private hospitals in Kinshasa: Clinique Bondeko (n=58), Centre Hospitalier Akram (n=210), and Centre Hospitalier Alliance (n=60). It covered a 12-month period, from January 01, 2021, to December 31, 2021. 328 patients constituted the sample for this study.

Result: 2208 patients were skin for various dermatoses, including 328 for acne during the study period giving a prevalence of 15%. Females were most affected (62%). Age ranged from 10-54 years, mean age was 23.9 years, with the 20-29 age group being the most affected. Mixed acne was the most common variant. The cheeks (78%) and forehead (65%) were the areas of the face most affected, and the most common aggravating factor was the use of irritating cosmetic products in 32% of cases.

Conclusion: Acne vulgaris accounted for 15% of all dermatoses seen during the study period in our environment, most predominant in females and the third decades of life. Intervention for people with acne should include addressing the use of irritant cosmetics.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris, Pilosebaceous unit, Irritant Cosmetics, Kinshasa