Correlation between Sebum Level and Follicular Fluorescence in Acne Vulgaris Patients

Abstract

Abstract Background: The pathogenesis of acne vulgaris is multifactorial involving four important factors, including follicular epidermal hyperproliferation, increased sebum production, increased activity of C. acnes and inflammation. Increased sebum levels can increase the production of porphyrins which appear as red-orange fluorescence on the faces of patients with acne vulgaris. Objective: To determine the correlation between sebum levels and follicular fluorescence in acne vulgaris patients. Subjects and Methods: This study was an observational analytic study with cross sectional data collection method involving 60 acne vulgaris patients based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Basic data were recorded including age and gender. Sebum levels were measured using a Sebumeter® SM 815 (C & K, Courage-Khazaka, Cologne, Germany) and follicular fluorescence was examined using a Visiopor® PP34 camera (C & K, Courage-Khazaka, Cologne, Germany). The correlation between sebum levels and follicular fluorescence was analyzed using Spearman correlation. The result was significant if the p value<0.05. Results: Acne vulgaris was more common in women (76.7%) with a mean age of 22.52 years, the youngest was 18 years old and the eldest was 36 years old. The results of this study showed a positive correlation with moderate strength between sebum levels and the spot counts (r = 0.495) and positive correlation with weak strength between sebum levels and the percentage of the area covered with follicular fluorescence spots (r = 0.349). Conclusion: There is a correlation between sebum levels and follicular fluorescence in acne vulgaris patients. Keywords: acne vulgaris, sebum level, follicular fluorescence.