Beliefs and perceptions about acne among undergraduate medical students

Background Acne is a common disease affecting adolescents. It was hypothesized that misconceptions prevail among undergraduate medical students about acne. Objectives To determine the extent of misconceptions about acne in our undergraduate medical students. Patients and methods: The students of Foundation University Medical College of first four year classes, whether suffering from acne or not, were included in the study. These students completed a specially designed questionnaire. Results A total of 343 students participated in the study. The age range was from 17-21 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1.75. With respect to the causative factors 87% claimed poor hygiene, 82% identified stress, 79% incriminated diet (chocolates and cola drinks). As far as general measures for acne were concerned, 75% believed that very frequent washing of face would result in fewer breakouts, 70% took acne as a contagious disease and 12% believed that squeezing the pimples would help them go away faster. As regards treatment for acne, 53% believed that Betnovate® or a mixture of creams with Betnovate® is a treatment option, 30% suggested that one should let acne run its course without treatment and 18 % believed that there is no treatment for acne scars. Conclusions Misconceptions about acne are widespread and enduring among our undergraduate medical students. A health education program is needed to improve their understanding of the condition.