A study says that four out of ten South Korean elementary school students are suffering from acne.

A research team at Seoul National University Hospital examined about 600 elementary school students and found 36 percent of them were afflicted by acne.

The incidence of the skin disorder sharply increased among fourth graders, while half of fifth and six graders were suffering from acne.

The research team said that the skin condition is being found among children because the Western pattern diet and stress promote the production of sebum which causes acne.

Dermatologists advise people to avoid bread and instant noodles and consume a lot of fruits and vegetables to prevent the disorder.