Acne vulgaris: a disease of Western civilization
Abstract
Background In westernized societies, acne vulgaris is a nearly universal skin disease afflicting 79% to 95% of the adolescent population. In men and women older than 25 years, 40% to 54% have some degree of facial acne, and clinical facial acne persists into middle age in 12% of women and 3% of men. Epidemiological evidence suggests that acne incidence rates are considerably lower in nonwesternized societies. Herein we report the prevalence of acne in 2 nonwesternized populations: the Kitavan Islanders of Papua New Guinea and the Aché hunter-gatherers of Paraguay. Additionally, we analyze how elements in nonwesternized environments may influence the development of acne. Observations Of 1200 Kitavan subjects examined (including 300 aged 15-25 years), no case of acne (grade 1 with multiple comedones or grades 2-4) was observed. Of 115 Aché subjects examined (including 15 aged 15-25 years) over 843 days, no case of active acne (grades 1-4) was observed. Conclusions The astonishing difference in acne incidence rates between nonwesternized and fully modernized societies cannot be solely attributed to genetic differences among populations but likely results from differing environmental factors. Identification of these factors may be useful in the treatment of acne in Western populations.
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Low-GI diets decrease fasting IGF-1 concentrations.
“whereas low-GI diets have been shown to decrease fasting IGF-1 concentrations.9, 10, 11”
From Diet and acne: A systematic review (2022) · cites this paper as [9]
Genetically similar Pacific Islanders and South American Indians who adopted a more Westernized lifestyle have much higher incidences of acne; similar trends were observed among Okinawans and Inuit.
“Interestingly, genetically similar Pacific Islanders and South American Indians who have adopted a more Westernized lifestyle have much higher incidences of acne. Similar trends were observed among other peoples, such as Okinawans and the Inuit, in whom the acne prevalence increased after the adoption of a Western lifestyle.9,12”
From Diet and acne: A systematic review (2022) · cites this paper as [9]
Numerous ethnographic observational studies have noted lower acne prevalence among non-Westernized peoples.
“Numerous ethnographic observational studies have noted lower acne prevalence among non-Westernized peoples.7, 8, 9, 10, 11”
From Diet and acne: A systematic review (2022) · cites this paper as [9]
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- Authors
- Cordain, L., Lindeberg, S., Hurtado, M., Hill, K., Eaton, S. B., & Brand-Miller, J.
- Affiliations
- Colorado State University (US)
- Lund University (SE)
- University of New Mexico (US)
- Emory University (US)
- The University of Sydney (AU)
- Venue
- Archives of Dermatology
- Publisher
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- Published
- 2002-12-01
- Volume
- 138
- Issue
- 12
- Pages
- 1584-90
- ISSN
- 0003-987X (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1996798819
- Cited by
- 500
- References
- 6
- Citations by year
- 2026: 9 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 26 · 2023: 20 · 2022: 20 · 2021: 24 · 2020: 23 · 2019: 21 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 22 · 2016: 35 · 2015: 24 · 2014: 34 · 2013: 24 · 2012: 23
- FWCI
- 10.69
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Archives of Dermatology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Lund University Publications (Lund University) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Acne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatology and Skin Diseases
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Infectious Diseases › Dermatological diseases and infestations
- Keywords
- acne, acne prevalence, environmental factors, modernization, comedones, skin disease epidemiology
- MeSH terms
- Acne Vulgaris, Adolescent, Adult, Developing Countries, Diet, Female, Humans, Hyperinsulinism, Male, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Population Surveillance, Risk Factors, Severity of Illness Index, Incidence, Age Distribution, Sex Distribution
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