Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the bowel habits of patients with acne vulgaris
Method: In this case control study, socio-demographic characteristics of
the participants (age, gender, marital status, educational status,
profession, economic status, smoking-alcohol habits, chronic diseases,
previous operations, people they live with, diet) were questioned and
the global acne grading scores of the patients were calculated. Bristol
Stool Scale, Rome III Criteria for IBS, International Physical Activity
Questionnaire-Short Form, Hospital Anxiety Depression and KADF (dietary
fiber information) scales fulfilled. Results: The patient group
consisted 102 and the control group consisted 104 participants. The mean
age was 20.9 ± 3.9 years old in the case group and 21.8 ± 5.0 years old
in the control group. Patient and control groups were similar in terms
of age and gender. Smoking rates were significantly higher in the
patient group (p=0,035). The amount of coffee consumed per day were
significantly higher in the patient group (p=0,040). According to the
global acne grading scores, 55.9% (n = 57) had medium, 39.2% (n = 40)
had mild, 3.9% (n = 4) had severe and 1% (n=1) had very severe acne.
Anxiety scores were found to be significantly higher in the patient
group (p = 0.005). When the case and control groups were compared for
IBS presence, no significant difference was found (p = 0.317). Also, IBS
was not related with acne severity (p = 0.162). Conclusion: Further
large sample sized studies are needed on this subject, as there is
strong evidence about brain–gut–skin axis existence.