AbstractAcne vulgaris is a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder affecting a significant proportion of adolescents worldwide. While hormonal fluctuations and genetic predisposition are central to its pathogenesis, increasing evidence highlights the influence of lifestyle factors—particularly dietary habits-on acne development and severity. This study was conducted at Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Iraq, with the objective of examining the impact of traditional versus fast food consumption on acne severity among adolescents aged 12-18 years.
A cross-sectional observational design was adopted, involving a total sample of 150 participants who attended the dermatology outpatient clinic at the hospital. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire that assessed dietary patterns, including frequency and quantity of fast food and traditional diet intake. Acne severity was clinically evaluated using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) by trained dermatologists.
Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between dietary choices and acne severity. Participants with high fast food consumption exhibited higher mean GAGS scores compared to those adhering to traditional diets. Specifically, individuals consuming fast food regularly showed a marked increase in moderate-to-severe acne cases (55.6%), whereas those following traditional diets predominantly presented with mild acne (66.7%). Logistic regression analysis identified fast food intake as an independent risk factor for severe acne (OR = 4.8) while adherence to traditional dietary patterns was protective (OR = 0.3). Furthermore, nutrient analysis indicated that traditional diets were richer in essential micronutrients such as vitamin A and zinc and lower in glycemic load and dairy content which are known contributors to acne exacerbation
This study underscores the importance of dietary modification in the management and prevention of acne among adolescents. It provides local evidence supporting the integration of nutritional counseling into dermatological care, particularly in regions like Al-Diwaniyah where changes in eating habits towards Western-style fast food are becoming increasingly common.
