INTRODUCTION
Acne vulgaris is a prevalent chronic dermatological condition characterized by obstruction and inflammation of pilosebaceous units.1,2 Acne presents clinically as inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules, and/or cysts.3 The pathogenesis involves a combination of factors, including excess androgen production, Cutibacterium acnes involvement, and genetics.1,2 Acne, affecting approximately 9.4% of individuals globally, is the eighth most common disease worldwide.4 The prevalence of acne is as high as 90% in adolescents, and in many instances can persist into adulthood.2 Up to 22% of women suffer from acne in their adult life.5 The impact of acne extends beyond physical symptoms, profoundly affecting psychosocial functioning and quality of life.6 Acne is associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem, even in mild cases.6,7
Recent research has demonstrated that the use of vasodilatory medications is associated with a decreased relative risk of rosacea.8 This finding is significant due to the overlapping inflammatory pathways in rosacea and acne. Both disease processes involve an increase in the type 1 helper (Th1) and Th17 inflammatory pathways.9 Interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-17a, and IL-6 levels are also elevated in acne and rosacea.9 While the underlying pathophysiology of acne and rosacea is not completely understood, they share several underlying mechanisms. Thus, we hypothesize that vasodilator medications may reduce the relative risk of acne as well.10 This study aims to uncover the relationship between acne and the use of vasodilatory medications, which may reveal possible underlying mechanisms of acne and uncover potential management options.
Recent research has demonstrated that the use of vasodilatory medications is associated with a decreased relative risk of rosacea.8 This finding is significant due to the overlapping inflammatory pathways in rosacea and acne. Both disease processes involve an increase in the type 1 helper (Th1) and Th17 inflammatory pathways.9 Interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-17a, and IL-6 levels are also elevated in acne and rosacea.9 While the underlying pathophysiology of acne and rosacea is not completely understood, they share several underlying mechanisms. Thus, we hypothesize that vasodilator medications may reduce the relative risk of acne as well.10 This study aims to uncover the relationship between acne and the use of vasodilatory medications, which may reveal possible underlying mechanisms of acne and uncover potential management options.
METHODS
The data used in this study was collected on March 11th, 2024 from the State University of New York Downstate TriNetX Research Network, which provided access to electronic medical records from approximately 124 million patients from 86 healthcare organizations. TriNetX is a health research network that compiles data from electronic medical records and follows patients in a longitudinal manner.
