THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FACIAL SKIN ACIDITY (PH) AND ACNE VULGARIS IN STUDENTS OF THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE WIDYA MANDALA SURABAYA CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33508/jwmj.v8i2.8313Keywords:
Acne vulgaris, Facial skin acidity (pH), T-zone, U-zone, Skin barrier, StudentsAbstract
Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit that commonly affects adolescents and young adults. Globally, acne affects approximately 85% of adolescents. One factor suspected to influencing acne vulgaris is facial skin acidity (pH). Increased facial skin acidity can disrupt skin barrier function and facilitate colonization by Propionibacterium acnes, thus triggering inflammation. Furthermore, skin pH can be influenced by sebum production, soap or skincare use, sweat, and skin type. Objective: To determine the relationship between facial skin acidity (pH) and the incidence of acne vulgaris in students of the Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Catholic University, Surabaya. Methods: This study used an observational analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. The study sample consisted of 50 students, 25 with and 25 without acne vulgaris, selected using consecutive sampling. Skin pH measurements were performed on several facial areas (forehead, right cheek, left cheek, and nose) using a digital pH meter. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: The average facial skin pH in the acne vulgaris group was higher than in the non-acne vulgaris group. Statistical test results showed a significant relationship between facial skin acidity (pH) and acne vulgaris (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between facial skin acidity (pH) and acne vulgaris. Skin pH was higher in the acne vulgaris group.
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