Psychological impact of acne and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation among Sudanese women

Abstract Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin which often causes a negative impact on a woman's psychological state and quality of life. This study seeks to provide basic data and information about the psychological impact of acne on Sudanese women. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted during the period from June 2022 to January 2023. A total of 400 females aged 15 years and above were included in this study. These are Sudanese women who had suffered from acne in their lives, and who responded to the online study questionnaire. Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) was used to assess the psychological effect of acne. Results: Seventy one percent of respondents had active acne. Acne scars were observed in (74.8%) of participants, while post-acne hyperpigmentation was observed in (71.3%). Facial acne was the most common, as it was observed in (75.8%) of the respondents. The mean age at acne onset was 15.66 years and ranged between 10 and 36 years. Mild and moderate acne were the most common types, accounting for (37.0%) and (41.5%) of cases, respectively. Acne was found to affect the psychological state of the vast majority of the respondents (89%). Cosmetics or makeup were used by (42.3%) of the respondents to conceal acne and scars. Late onset of acne treatment was reported in (42%) of the cases. Most respondents (72.5%) visited doctors to treat acne. The mean Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) score was 4.55, which reflects mild effects of acne on the quality of life of most of the respondents. The adverse psychological impact was found to be significantly associated with increased acne severity, scarring, and hyperpigmentation as well as with university educated respondents. Conclusion: It was found that acne has mild effects on the quality of life of Sudanese women. Late onset of acne treatment resulted in widespread scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in most participants, which was associated with the psychological impact of acne. There is an urgent need to encourage early treatment of acne to reduce the physical sequalae of acne to reduce the psychosocial consequences associated with the disease and the risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation on Sudanese women. Sudanese health authorities and Sudanese doctors can address this issue through education and awareness programs.