Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Based Study of Cosmetics Use in Acne Patients

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is one of the leading skin problems in the world. Multifactorial nature of the disease has fuelled the investigation of many etiological factors including the microbes, diet, psychogenic stress, hormones, and topical applications. Of these, cosmetics being directly applied to the skin, have difference effects on the skin conditions. The current observational study was aimed at carrying out a knowledge, attitude and practice-based analysis of acne patients towards the use of different cosmetics in a Pakistani setting. To begin with, 300 people were asked to fill a self-designed, validated questionnaire related to the cosmetics and their effect on acne patients. The tool, containing 37 closed-ended questions, was uploaded on Google Forms and the link was shared on social media platforms. On attaining the target count, statistical analysis was performed through SPSS and result were recorded. Among the respondents, only 29% indicated their acne was worsening by use of cosmetics (OR :1.25) whereas acne of 30 % people was not affected by use of cosmetics. The study showed the use of cosmetics in acne can worsen their skin condition and can cause failure of anti-acne treatments. The study also showed that a lesser number of people prefer visiting dermatologist for dermo-cosmetics prescription. Most of the respondents select cosmetics on their own or they take recommendations from friends and family. Analysis of the current nation-wide survey of Pakistani acne patients revealed that the Pakistani population believes that acne is worsened by the  use of cosmetics and that it can cause treatment failure of anti-acne treatment. Most of people select cosmetics on their own after taking advice from family and friends and in severe acne, they stop using cosmetics without visiting dermatologist.