Revisiting the epidemiology of acne in Moscow
https://doi.org/10.21518/ms2026-034
Abstract
Acne affects over 9% of the global population. The overall peak incidence occurs among ages 15 to 20. Acne also occurs in adults and has its own unique characteristics. In adolescents, the disease is triggered by hormonal factors involved in puberty, while in adults, it is caused by abnormal hormonal fluctuations. Antibiotics have been traditionally prescribed as treatments for acne, but due to the increasing antibiotic resistance in recent years, acne treatment regimens have changed. In particular, the use of antimicrobial drugs has declined, while the prescription of both topical and systemic retinoids has increased. This article reviewed epidemiological data on the prevalence of acne in Moscow over the past three years. The analysis of 289 outpatient medical records of acne patients who visited Yugo-Zapadny Branch in 2024 showed that female patients prevailed (59.9% vs 40.1%). The following disease severity distribution was reported: 241 patients with mild acne (83.4%), 43 with moderate acne (14.9%), and 5 with severe acne (1.7%). Severe acne was more common among male patients, while milder forms were more common among female patients. The incidence of acne across all age groups from 2022 to 2024 increased as follows: +15% among children (under 14 years), +31% among adolescents (15–17 years), and + 12% among adults (18 years and older). Patients over 18 years of age most often seek consultative assistance from highly specialized doctors. Acne treatment typically suggests prescription of topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, and their combinations with benzoyl peroxide for mild cases, and systemic retinoids for severe cases. The authors’ own experience allows us to recommend a 1% clindamycin solution, as well as a fixed combination of 1% clindamycin and 5% benzoyl peroxide in gel form for the treatment of mild acne, and for more severe forms as part of combination therapy
About the Authors
M. S. Kornyat
Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Maria S. Kornyat, Dermatovenerologist
17, Leninsky Ave., Moscow, 119071
E. V. Tolstoguzova
Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elvira V. Tolstoguzova, Statistician
17, Leninsky Ave., Moscow, 119071
O. L. Novozhilova
Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Olga L. Novozhilova, Deputy Chief Physician for Organizational and Methodological Work
17, Leninsky Ave., Moscow, 119071
O. V. Zhukova
Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology;
RUDN University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Olga V. Zhukova, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Chief Medical Officer; Head of the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of the Medical Institute
17, Leninsky Ave., Moscow, 119071;
6, Miklukho-Maklai St., Moscow, 117198
I. M. Korsunskaya
Center for Theoretical Problems of Physical and Chemical Pharmacology of Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Irina M. Korsunskaya, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Laboratory
30, Srednyaya Kalitnikovskaya St., Moscow, 109029
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Review
For citations:
Kornyat MS, Tolstoguzova EV, Novozhilova OL, Zhukova OV, Korsunskaya IM. Revisiting the epidemiology of acne in Moscow. Meditsinskiy sovet = Medical Council. 2026;(2):64-68. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21518/ms2026-034
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