Galvanic skin resistance in different phases of menstrual cycle in acne vulgaris

Background: Galvanic skin response (GSR) is altered by sympathetic dominance and increased sympathetic activity will cause decrease in GSR. Skin conductance varies with different phases of menstrual cycle. Measuring skin conductance by GSR is safe procedure and utility of this skin conductance is widely used literature. Aims and Objectives: Aim of our study was to find association of stress as measured by GSR, in different phases of menstrual cycle in acne vulgaris patients. Materials and Methods: 30 cases and 30 age matched controls were recruited. 30 acne cases include 10 each in mild, moderate, and severe acne. GSR was measured using polyrite recording system in different phases of menstrual cycle. Results: There was no difference in mean age and standard deviation of case and control group statistically. There was also no statistically significant difference in weight, height, and body mass index in between two groups. In all the three phases, there was a significant difference in GSR values between cases and controls and have higher values in control group. With increasing severity of acne there is worsening of quality of life in case of acne patients and this is also statistically significant. Conclusion: Physical and psychosocial stress is contributory in acne severity specially in female acne patients. Hence, timely stress management along with treatment of acne will benefit these patients.