Acne vulgaris affects 60-70% of Americans at some time during their lives. Twenty percent have severe acne with permanent physical and mental scarring
- Persons of some races are affected more than others. Cystic acne is prevalent in the Mediterranean region from Spain to Iran.
- Acne is common in North American whites.
- Spanish persons tend to more commonly develop cystic acne.
- African Americans have a higher prevalence of pomade acne, likely stemming from the use of hair pomades
- During adolescence, acne vulgaris is more common in males than in females.
- In adulthood, acne vulgaris is more common in women than in men
