[Acne in adult female patients: A comparative study in France and sub-Saharan Africa]

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of acne in adult women in France and in sub-Saharan Africa.

Patients and methods: Women aged 25 years and over consulting for acne in hospital dermatology departments in Créteil, Dakar and Bamako were included. The data collected concerned a health questionnaire, previous history of acne, clinical examination and use of skin lighteners. Patient characteristics were expressed as absolute numbers and percentages for qualitative variables and as means and standard deviations or medians, and first and third quartiles, for quantitative variables based on distribution.

Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of body mass index, tobacco smoking, age at first period and use of contraceptives. The presence of a lozenge-shaped area of abdominal hyperpilosity was more common in women of dark phototype, with no other signs of hyperandrogenism being seen. Acne was more severe in Dakar and in Bamako than in Créteil. Post-inflammatory pigmentation and involvement of the cheeks and forehead occurred significantly more frequently in patients of dark phototype. Involvement of the chin was more common in light-skinned subjects. While none of the women not of African origin performed voluntary skin lightening, this practice was recorded in half of women of African origin in Créteil and in Africa.

Conclusion: This study shows clinical differences in acne in adult women according to phototype and geographical zone.

Keywords: Acne; Acné; Adult; Adulte; Afrique sub-saharienne; Dépigmentation volontaire; Female; Femme; Skin lightening; Sub-Saharan Africa.