Comparative analysis of serum lipid profile in adults with and without acne vulgaris in a tertiary care center in South India

Abstract

Background: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, affecting most teenagers during adolescence and at times may persist into adulthood also. Sebum analysis in some studies has shown increased triglycerides and wax/cholesterol esters in acne patients. Whether there is local alteration of surface lipids and seborrhea associated with any alteration of serum lipid profile in acne patients is not yet known. However, few studies in acne patients have shown definitive variations in lipid profile providing insights into plausibility of role of altered serum lipid levels in acne. Aims: The aim was to evaluate serum lipid profile in adults with and without acne vulgaris and to study the correlation between lipid profile and severity of acne in Indian patients. Materials and Methods: Fifty male and female adults presenting with acne aged between 18 and 40 years along with age- and sex-matched healthy adults without acne were subjected for serum lipid level analysis. Results: In this study, there was no significant difference in lipid levels in acne patients compared to control. Limitations: The limitation of the study was small sample size. Conclusions: There is no statistically significant increase in total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein in acne patients compared to control.