Global acne cases and disability rise, with further growth expected by 2050
A cross-sectional analysis of Global Burden of Disease 2023 data estimated 54.4 million prevalent acne cases and 27.8 million incident cases worldwide. Age-standardized incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life year rates all increased between 1990 and 2023. Projections suggest 77 million prevalent cases and 1.65 million DALYs by 2050, though long-term forecasts carry uncertainty.
Researchers analyzed Global Burden of Disease 2023 data in a cross-sectional study. They estimated 54.4 million people had acne and 27.8 million new cases occurred. Women represented 56% of prevalent cases; men 44%. Acne caused 1.17 million disability-adjusted life years. It was not linked to death but added to skin disease burden, surpassing basal cell carcinoma's DALY total and approaching squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and psoriasis.
Between 1990 and 2023, age-standardized incidence, prevalence, and DALY rates rose by 67.3%, 63.6%, and 63.5%. Projections for 2050 estimate 37.5 million incident cases, 77 million prevalent cases, and 1.65 million DALYs. Authors caution long-term forecasts are uncertain because they don't capture all GBD uncertainty or future care and diagnosis changes.
Because acne is common and can cause years lived with disability, its rising burden may affect adolescents and young adults, their daily wellbeing, schooling, and work. Health systems could face greater demand for dermatology care, while patients and families may bear costs and quality-of-life effects. Forecast growth, if accurate, may prompt more prevention and treatment research. However, projections carry uncertainty, so impact depends on future care access, diagnosis, and demographic shifts.