UK teenagers and young people have some of the highest rates of acne in the world, according to a new review.
The UK was among the top 10 countries with the highest prevalence of acne diagnosed among adolescents and young people in 2021.
And all countries with the highest rates of doctor-diagnosed acne have seen a rise since 1990, the new report suggests.
In the UK some 14.65% of adolescents and young people were diagnosed with acne, according to the study, which has been published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
This is a rise from 13.57% in 1990, according to the study which looked at data on diagnosis rates among people aged 10 to 24 across 204 countries.
The British Association of Dermatologists (BDA) said the rise in cases could be down to the fact that people are quicker to see a healthcare professional about their acne.
It could also be attributed to environmental or lifestyle factors, the BDA said.
The organisation said the number of adolescents with acne in the UK is actually closer to 95% when accounting for people who self-managed their treatment.
The new review shows that prevalence in 2021 was highest in Germany, where almost 15.98% of teenagers and young adults were diagnosed.
Researchers said that rates of acne have been on the rise in all countries, except New Zealand.
The UK ranks eighth among the countries with the highest prevalence, behind Germany, Portugal, Luxembourg, Norway, Andorra, Denmark and San Marino.
Dr Zhou Zhu, the lead author of the research from the Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, said: “Acne rates among adolescents and young adults have gradually increased in nearly all countries since the 1990s.
“Our research didn’t look at why this is, but it could be linked to lifestyle factors like diet, stress, obesity rates, increased exposure to pollution from urbanisation, or simply a greater likelihood of seeking treatment.
“It is plausible that, as healthcare becomes more accessible in countries, reported acne rates increase. This is unlikely to be the only factor though, as even in countries with good access to healthcare, cases have increased.
“We only looked at healthcare data, which would not include the many people who have acne but are managing the conditions themselves, so overall acne rates are actually higher.”
Professor Michael Arden-Jones, academic vice president of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “This study provides more evidence that the number of acne cases seen by doctors is increasing. While many people manage acne themselves using over-the-counter treatments, it is also a common reason for seeing a GP or a dermatologist.
“Acne is a common condition, but it can be severe. Friends and family have an important role to play, as do health professionals in providing emotional support, as it can have a negative impact on mental health, especially for teenagers.
“As well as the psychological impact of untreated acne, some people suffer permanent scars. However, there are treatments to limit the impact of the condition.
“Ideally, this means ensuring they have access to medical advice and acting fast to treat those where it is becoming severe, to prevent scarring.”
Acne ranges from a few spots on the face, neck, back and chest, to a more severe problem with solid painful lumps or cysts under the skin.
