Background:
Studies of associations between various skin diseases and the ABO blood groups have showed conflicting results. Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. The pathogenesis of acne is only partially understood, but it is multifactorial and complex. So far no study has been performed to evaluate the association of acne with blood groups.
Objective:
We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the probable association of ABO blood groups with acne vulgaris.
Materials and methods:
This cross-sectional study conducted in university affiliated dermatology clinics and involved 124 patients with acne and 425 healthy controls. The diagnosis of acne and severity was based on clinical criteria and dermatologic examination. For all participants blood samples were collected and tested for ABO blood groups and Rh factor. The distribution of ABO and Rh blood type for cases was compared with that of healthy controls.
Results:
The age (p=0.101) and gender (p=0.339) distribution of both groups was not statistically difference. Our finding showed that there was no statistically significant association between the acne vulgaris and ABO blood groups (P=0.336) or Rh factor (p=0.738). Also, there was not significant association between severity of acne and blood groups (p=0.807).
Conclusion:
Our study showed lack of significant association of ABO blood groups with acne vulgaris. Further studies in larger series and in other ethnic groups are recommended.
Keywords: Acne vulgaris, ABO blood group, Rh factor