Acne is a common skin disorder, commonly prevalent in younger adults and characterized with papules, cysts and skin scar. Acne is often reported to result in psychological distress, low self-esteem and reduced quality of life. The prevalence and management of acne varies among countries according to gender, ethnicity and age group mostly due to hereditary causes, social behaviors, and environmental factors. The data on acne prevalence, distribution of clinical forms of acne in Pakistan is still limited. There is a need to its study prevalence, sociodemographic factors and gender preference associated with management of acne in local population. To determine prevalence and distribution of clinical forms of acne among students of pharmacy at Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Further, to explore a relationship between its prevalence sociodemographic factors, geographical location and life style.

A cross sectional study was conducted on students in Pharmacy department the Islamia University of Bahawalpur. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to a representative number of students representing the whole population.

Overall, 83.45% were females aged 20-25 years. Individuals with oily skin type were most likely affected (62%) with acne while 80% of participants affected by some form of acne. In our sample mild (55.8 %), moderate (28.5 %) papular-pustular and severe comedonal (4%) were most prevent affecting mostly the face. Only 2.4% had sought doctors’ advice, and 18.4% tried some form of medical treatment, out of which 1 1.7% used topical treatment and 6.7% used oral treatment.

Our study found that acne and its associated complications are highly prevalent in younger adults in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. While, only third of participants sought medical help, and lack of preference or knowledge to treat the illness. These findings emphasize the need of educating the local youth and improve their awareness about acne treatments.