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No epidemiological information about truncal acne is available. This study assessed the self-reported impact of truncal acne in adolescents and young adults, using an internet survey in France in 1,001 adolescents and young adults with truncal acne. Participants' mean age was 18.6 ± 4.3 years, 75.7% were females, 52.9% reported severe and 16.0% very severe truncal acne; 90.0% of participants with truncal acne also reported past or ongoing facial acne. Stress (46.3%), a diet high in lipids (33.2%), and sleeplessness (27.0%) were considered to be triggers of truncal acne; 44.7% consulted at least 1 healthcare professional and 28.1% searched the internet or social network for information about truncal acne. Of subjects with truncal acne, 68.4% thought constantly about their condition. Overall, 79.9% of the participants with severe acne vs 41.8% with mild or moderate acne: 41.8% thought about their acne all the time (p < 0.0001). Truncal acne heavily or very heavily impacted quality of life of 38.7% of participants. It impacted females significantly more than males (p < 0.0001). Significantly (p < 0.001) more females than males reported facial acne. A significant (p = 0.0067) association was observed between the severities of facial and truncal acne. The self-perceived impact of truncal acne in adolescents and young adults highlights the need for information as well as reinforced medical and psychological care.

Introduction: Only a small amount of published data regarding truncal acne is available, and no proper tool to assess its severity exists., Aim: The aim of the study was to provide dermatologists with an easy-to-use tool to assess truncal acne (TRASS, truncal acne severity scale) using a global approach., Methods: A scoring tool that assesses the severity of acne (based on GEA and ECLA scales) on the trunk using a global approach was built, including three sub-scores: family history, clinical signs and quality of life (QoL). In order to test TRASS, the experts used photographs of 47 patients attending their clinics with truncal acne. The regression optimized (ROP) model was applied to assess the diagnosis performance of TRASS and to identify items contributing to the classification of the patients. Internal testing was made to demonstrate the robustness of the model. Correlation analyses between the different items were performed to evaluate the interaction between the different items and their impact on the severity grading of truncal acne., Results: Patients with the most severe acne were identified by TRASS. The error level was 6.6% after internal validation and 10.4% when using the median value or the centile 75th (6.6% and 10.4%). Correlation was significant between systemic treatment and scars (P = 0.0025) and nodules (P = 0.01988) and between location and QoL (P = 0.0095)., Conclusion: Truncal acne severity scale is the first global, patient-centred approach to evaluate truncal acne by scoring the importance of each factor independently from its clinical severity. TRASS may allow the practitioner to choose and validate the most suitable therapy together with the patient in order to treat his or her truncal acne successfully and to limit treatment failure., (© 2022 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

Truncal acne is frequently overlooked in dermatological practice, even though it may result in scars and impact on self-esteem and body image. Therefore, it is important to identify the disease early in order to initiate treatment in time and, thus, to prevent it from worsening and resulting in physical and psychological sequelae. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of what is currently known about truncal acne, its prevalence, aetiology and physiopathology, how its severity is currently evaluated, how to differentiate it from other skin afflictions and current treatment options. A review of literature considering the issue of truncal acne published up to 2019 and available from PubMed was conducted, and in total, 76 articles were selected from PubMed. Currently, only little information about truncal acne is available. Considered as having the same pathophysiology as facial acne, the clinical picture and treatment response seem to differ. Specific acne severity grading systems and quality of life questionnaires as well as a specific treatment algorithm are still lacking. Filling this gap should allow clinicians to assess truncal acne in the best possible way, choosing suitable treatment options, helping patients to improve treatment adherence and quality of life and finally allowing a better management of truncal acne. In conclusion, more knowledge is required to treat more efficiently truncal acne., (© 2020 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

Acne may significantly impact quality of life, self-esteem and self-worth. The aim of this paper was to provide an overview of the knowledge and perception of acne and its risk factors in adolescents and young adults. The most critical issues reported for an optimal management of this specific population were identified. A PubMed literature review of results from patient-oriented surveys published between 2007 and 2018 was conducted. Two different types of survey were used: those using either validated questionnaires or specifically developed questionnaires. No consistency or directly comparable data with regards to age, onset, duration, severity and treatment of acne and by whom and where data were collected were observed. Acne affected female patients psychologically more than male patients. The majority referred to their treating physician in order to obtain information, and all surveys pointed out that specific treatment programs would allow to increase awareness about acne. Beliefs, traditions and economic factors continue to impact the perception of and treatment choices for acne in almost all countries and cultures, maintaining the improvement of awareness about acne a major global health challenge. In conclusion, identifying, considering and managing the patient's concerns about acne may improve the young patient's well-being and thus decrease additional healthcare expenses for emerging psychological comorbidities. This can be achieved by creating substantial and structured awareness through local and global information campaigns via the treating physicians, Internet, social networks and education., (© 2019 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)