33. Acne

Question 1

Why?

Answer 1

Caused by bacteria in oil gland
Due to hormonal changes
Specially starts during puberty

Question 2

Acne

Answer 2

Mild – mostly whiteheads and blackheads, with a few pustules.
Moderate – more widespread whiteheads and blackheads, with many pustules and some cysts.
Severe – lots of large, painful pustules and deep cysts; you might also have some scarring.

Question 3

Symptoms?

Answer 3

Small bump or redness
Filled with pus or tenderness

Question 4

Symptoms?

Answer 4

Small bump or redness
Filled with pus or tenderness

Question 5

Treatment?

Answer 5

Mild:
Wash: Benzoyl peroxide wash

Benzoyl Peroxide Gel

or Hydrogen peroxide cream 1% (also called Crystaderm).

Prescription medicine:
Clindamycin solution (Topici antibiotic),

Retinoids: Adapalene (Differin gel) and isotretinoin (Re Trieve cream). This is the most effective topical treatment type. Retinoids should be applied at night as they break down in sunlight.

Moderate to Severe-
Doxycycline and erythromycin. They work by killing germs (bacteria) that contribute to the cause of acne.
Combined oral contraceptive pill ex: Ginet

Question 6

Self Care?

Answer 6

Moisturiser or foundation containing lanolin should be avoided.

Isotretinoin is not suitable for before and during pregnency become pregnant.

Wash with gentle cleanser to reduce the greasiness of your skin.

Wash skin no more than twice a day – more than this can cause your skin to become dry and increase irritation.

Use oil-free, water-based skin products. Remove all make-up before sleeping.

Avoid picking or squeezing pimples and blackheads – this can increase the risk of infection and scarring.

Avoid high colesterol food like red meat.