The Role of Diet in Acne Vulgaris and Its Complications: Clinical Study in Sulaimani Teaching Center of Dermatology

Background : Acne Vulgaris is chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous units characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, abscesses, and later on sometimes as widespread scarring. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between dietary variables and acne vulgaris in addition to describe acne complications. Method: A cross sectional study carried out in Al-Sulimanya teaching center of dermatology for period from 1st of February to end of June, 2014 on sample of 110 acne vulgaris patients t The researcher reviewed one week recall nutritional history of each patient and asking about the effect of some dietary items on acne. The effect was defined as increased the acne nodules and/or severity. Results : Mean age of acne patients was 19±5 years and age group 15-19 years was the predominant (47.3%). Females were more than males with predominance of housewives and urban residents. Two thirds of studied patients had moderate acne and more than half of them had acne duration ? 2 years. Lipid and menstrual cycle (among females) were perceived by the patients as effective on acne vulgaris. There was significant association of effective lipid and milk with severe acne vulgaris (p<0.001). Patients with severe acne were significantly complicated than other types of acne (p=0.001). Consumption lipids, red meat and white meat by acne patients was associated significantly with complicated acne vulgaris (p<0.05). Conclusions : Lipids as perceived by acne patients may have a significant aggravating effect on severity and complications of acne. Diet had an effect on acne complications. Behavioral modification of adolescents especially regarding dietary habits and enforcement on fiber-rich diet omega3 fatty acids should be encouraged.