Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a fairly common condition. Although predominant in adolescents, it affects an increasing number of adults. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical, and psychological aspects of acne in pregnant women in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Materials and method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 7 health facilities in the City of Ouagadougou between January and July 2019. All pregnant women attending the antenatal clinics during the study period in the above healthcare facilities and who agreed to participate were included.
Results: A total of 383 pregnant women were included in this study. The mean age was 27.6 years. The overall prevalence of acne was 48.53%. More than half of the patients had a history of acne (55.80%). Papulopustular lesions were the most commonly seen lesions, located on the cheeks (81.22%), forehead (66.30%) and temples (37.57%). The average overall Echelle de Cotation des Lésions d'Acné (ECLA) severity score was 6.24 ± 3.94 (range 2–21). Most patients (91.71%) had mild to moderate acne. Severe forms were observed in the second trimester of pregnancy, more frequently in patients aged 24 years. The average Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) score for the psychosocial impact of acne was 10.20 ± 2.16. Pharmacologic treatment was declined by 82.87% of pregnant women, who preferred so-called "natural" products. Skin-lightening products such as hydroquinone and corticoids were used by 19.89% of the women.
Conclusion: Although acne affected 1 in every 2 pregnant women in this study, mild or moderately severe inflammatory acne during pregnancy did not greatly affect their quality of life. Acne was better accepted by those women who did not wish to receive pharmacologic treatment during pregnancy.
Keywords: Inflammatory acne, pregnancy, quality of life, ECLA severity Scoring, CADI score

Inflammatory acne, pregnancy, quality of life, ECLA severity Scoring