Ann Dermatol.  2026 Apr;38(2):89-97. 10.5021/ad.25.135.

Beyond the Face: An Exploratory Survey on Facial and Truncal Acne in High School Students

• Lee YB
• Cho M
• Kim HS

• KMID: 2580055
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.25.135

Abstract

Background
Acne vulgaris commonly affects both the face and trunk, yet truncal acne remains underrecognized and less studied in adolescents.
Objective
This study aimed to assess the prevalence, perceived severity, stress levels, treatment behaviors, and willingness to seek care in adolescents based on acne location.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 211 first-year high school students (104 males, 107 females) in Incheon, South Korea. A structured questionnaire captured data on acne location, severity, stress, treatment history, and willingness to seek care. Analyses included descriptive statistics, χ² tests, t-tests, and Spearman correlation.
Results
Facial acne was reported by 86.7% of participants and truncal acne by 47.4%. The presence of facial and truncal acne was significantly associated (p<0.05), with truncal acne developing approximately one year after facial acne onset (p<0.05). While the mean subjective severity scores for facial (1.61±0.63) and truncal acne (1.57±0.79) were similar (p>0.05), stress levels were significantly higher for facial acne (p<0.05). Treatment rates were substantially lower for truncal acne (17.6%) compared to facial acne (48.6%), despite comparable willingness to seek clinical care.
Conclusion
Truncal acne is common but undertreated in adolescents. Despite comparable willingness to seek care, actual treatment rates remain low, underscoring a critical gap in management. Given the significant co-occurrence and risk of sequelae, clinicians should routinely assess for truncal acne in adolescents with facial acne and adopt a holistic management strategy addressing both areas.

Keyword

Acne; Facial acne; High school students; Survey; Truncal acne