Association Between Diet and Acne Severity: A Cross-sectional Study in Thai Adolescents and Adults

Acta Derm Venereol. 2021 Dec 7;101(12):adv00611. doi: 10.2340/actadv.v101.569.

Abstract

The association between diet and acne is of growing concern. Every country has its own food culture; however, only a few studies have surveyed the influence of Asian cuisine on acne. This study investigated the association between acne severity and diet/lifestyle factors in 2,467 Thai adolescents and adults. Data were collected via a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. In Thai adolescents and adults, the prevalence of mild acne was 52%, moderate acne 22%, and severe acne 8%. No acne was found in 18% of participants. The dietary factors associated with increased severity of acne were consumption of chocolate >100 g/week (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.29; 95% CI 1.07-1.56), oily and fried food >3 times/week (aOR 1.84; 95% CI 1.07-3.16) and white rice (aOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.24-2.63). Conversely, the factors associated with decreased severity of acne were consumption of sugar-free milk-free tea (aOR 0.61; 95% CI 0.43-0.87) and vegetables (aOR 0.74; 95% CI 0.62-0.89).

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris* / diagnosis
  • Acne Vulgaris* / epidemiology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Thailand / epidemiology