Prevalence and risk factors of pre-pubertal acne among school children in menoufia governorate, Egypt

Objective To study the association between pre-pubertal acne and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) level. Background Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease. Pre-pubertal acne is due to maturation of ovary and testis. During adrenarche (10–14 years old in females and 12–16 years in males), there is an increase in secretion of DHEA and DHEA sulfate by adrenal glands, leading to activation of sebaceous glands. DHEA and other adrenal androgens such as androstenedione, although relatively weak androgens, are responsible for the androgenic effects of adrenarche. Patients and methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Menoufia Governorate, Shebin El-Kom District, basic education schools (rural and urban). Students included both females and males. Results This study found that there was an increased level of DHEA hormone in pre-pubertal acne. The prevalence of acne among the studied group was 47%. The types of acne among acne-positive students were as follows: 48.9% were comedonal, 21.3% inflammatory, and 29.8% both comedonal and inflammatory. Sites of acne among acne-positive students were as follows: 14.9% were cheek, 27.7% chain, 42.6% forehead, and 14.9% nose. The current study showed an insignificant relation between acne and age. The percentage of males was the most predominant in acne-positive cases (57.4%). This study showed an insignificant relation between food consumption and acne. The current study showed that the percentage of present puberty signs was statistically significant lower among acne-positive than acne-negative. Conclusion There was a statistically significant increase in DHEA level among acne-positive compared with acne-negative cases.