Serum ferritin levels amongst individuals with acne

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a widespread dermatological condition with a multifactorial etiology. Emerging research highlights the potential role of micronutrients, particularly iron, in acne pathogenesis. This study investigates serum ferritin levels, a key biomarker of iron status, in individuals with acne compared to healthy controls. Conducted as a hospital-based cross-sectional study over 18 months, the research included 70 acne patients and 70 age- and sex-matched controls. Participants' dietary habits, stress levels, physical activity, and acne severity were assessed, alongside serum ferritin and hemoglobin measurements. The median ferritin level in the acne group was 19.0ng/mL, significantly lower than the control group, which had a median serum ferritin level of 30.4 ng/mL. Among acne patients, 55.7% exhibited ferritin deficiency (≤20 ng/mL), with 21.4% having very low levels (