Acne Vulgaris in Saudi Arabia – Myths and Common Misconceptions: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Acne vulgaris is a long-term condition of the sebaceous glands that usually occurs during puberty. The mean prevalence of acne in Saudi males is 54% and ranges from 54% to 84% among Saudi females. Despite the high prevalence of acne vulgaris, it is shrouded in multiple misconceptions that are widely spread among the general public and among patients with acne. Purpose: This study is conducted to assess the knowledge, awareness, and widespread myths and misconceptions about acne vulgaris. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in Saudi Arabia in August 2022 through 1164 self-administered, convenient sampling technique online questionnaires. Sociodemographic data, as well as knowledge regarding acne and its treatment, were collected and evaluated. Results: Three-quarters of the respondents (73%) knew that stress precipitated acne, and two-thirds (66%) knew that fat-rich food could increase the risk of developing acne. Knowledge was lower in males than females, while a family history of acne was associated with higher knowledge. Most respondents (76%) knew that hormonal changes could precipitate acne. More than half of the respondents did not know whether Vitamin A derivatives increased the risk of depression (61%), anxiety, and stress (55%). Three-quarters of the respondents (73%) knew that stress precipitated acne, and two-thirds (66%) knew that fat-rich food could increase the risk of developing acne. The most common source of information was the Internet (40.8%) followed by social media platforms (25.2%) and physicians (15.2%). Conclusion: There was an adequate level of knowledge. Approximately half of the respondents declared the Internet as a source of their information. We recommend physicians to educate their patients about acne, to elaborate society-oriented campaigns, and to encourage dermatologists to spread information through the Internet and social media platforms as they are considered a major source of information in this study

COVID-19-induced hair shedding and related risk factors: A Saudi perspective

Introduction: Many cases of telogen effluvium (TE), acute hair shedding, following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported during the pandemic. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the relationship between COVID-19 and TE in Saudi Arabia. Self-administered online questionnaires were distributed online between March and September 2022 in Saudi Arabia. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors associated with TE post-COVID-19 (significance at P 6 months). The risk factors significantly related to TE post-COVID-19 were: female sex (P < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 2.98), COVID-19 antiviral treatment (P = 0.032, OR = 3.02), and TE history (P = 0.001, OR = 3.78). Conclusion: Healthcare providers and physicians should be aware of the relationship between TE and COVID-19, to easily recognize, treat, and improve their patients' outcomes)