Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this comprehensive study is to meticulously investigate the potential correlation between acne vulgaris and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), two conditions hypothesised to be interconnected through systemic inflammation pathways. This is developed through analyzation of salivary pH levels as a non-invasive biomarker for GERD and its association with acne severity, thereby expanding the diagnostic toolkit for dermatological assessment and management. Introduction: Emerging research underscores the crucial impact of gut health on skin condition. An imbalance in the gut microbiome has been associated with a range of skin disorders, including acne. Inflammation is now recognized as a key factor underlying both acid reflux and acne. Chronic internal inflammation can disrupt skin balance, leading to increased sebum production and clogged pores. While direct research linking acid reflux to acne is still in its early phases, emerging evidence suggests a potential connection. Materials / method: In this forward-looking, controlled study, we included individuals with acne vulgaris alongside age- and gender-matched healthy participants. We assessed all subjects for the presence of GERD, diagnosing it based on salivary pH correlation. We measured the clinical severity of acne vulgaris using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). Results: The study comprised 25 patients with acne vulgaris and 22 healthy controls matched by age and gender. All participants were female. The mean salivary pH for those with acne was 6.42±0.33, while for those without acne, it was 7.04±0.21. A Pearson correlation coefficient of approximately -0.745 indicates a strong negative correlation, suggesting that higher pH levels correlate with a reduced probability of having acne. The p-value of less than 0.001 confirms the statistical significance of this correlation. Conclusion: The study reveals a significant link between lower salivary pH levels in acne vulgaris patients and the presence of GERD. These findings underscore the potential impact of acid reflux on acne severity and advocate for a holistic approach to dermatological treatment that considers the gut-skin axis. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand the implications for acne management and the potential for innovative treatments targeting the digestive system.