Myths and beliefs of acne pathogenesis: Diet, smoking, hygiene

Acne is the most prevalent skin condition, affecting to some degree 85 % of the population aged 11-30 years [1]. It is not a life-threatening condition; however, it lasts for years; it can cause scars and furthermore as Koo wrote: It is important to look beyond the physical scarring, for there is no disease that has caused more insecurity and feelings of inferiority than acne [2]. Despite the high prevalence of acne vulgaris in adolescents the overall knowledge pertaining to the causes, natural course, and therapy was found in several studies to be very low not only among patients but also among final year medical students [3] and even among family physicians and nurses [4, 5]. On the other hand myths, misconceptions and commonly held beliefs surrounding acne still exist among patients as well as among well-meaning friends and relatives [6, 7].