Acne Flashcards
How does acne develop?
Sebum is trapped within the hair follicle -> acne
What are the 4 basic factors for the development of acne?
- Hormones
- Increased sebum production
- Changes inside the follicle
- Bacteria
How does hormones cause acne?
Androgens cause sebaceous glands to enlarge
Young women have acne flare-ups that coincide with hormonal changes associated with their menstrual cycle
Does increased sebum production cause acne? How?
Sebum accumulates in follicle and mixes with dead skin cells and normal skin bacteria as it travels up
(greater the sebum production, greater the likelihood that hair follicle will become clogged)
Explain how changes inside the follicle cause acne
Abnormal shedding of these cells / over stimulation of cell renewal can cause clogging of the follicle, trapping sebum
What is the bacteria responsible for acne?
P. acnes (it’s a normal bacteria on skin, ingests sebum)
clogged follicle becomes a breeding ground for bacteria
Clogged follicle + lack of oxygen -> favourable environ for P. acnes to grow and multiply rapidly
What are the 2 classifications of acne lesions?
- Non-inflammatory lesions
2. Inflammatory lesions
Describe the 2 types of non-inflammatory lesions
- Open comedones (blackheads)
- tightly compacted cells & sebum + oxidation gives it the black look - Closed comedone (whitehead)
What are the 3 types of inflammatory lesions?
- Papules
- Pustules
- Nodules (most srs)
How does inflammatory lesions occur?
When sebaceous materials from the comedo get into the surrounding tissue and cause an inflammatory reaction (begins as a non-inflammatory comedo)
Is every post-acne mark a scar?
No
A red mark is called an erythematous macule that will fade in 4-6 mths (not a scar)
Name 3 main functions of ingredients commonly found in acne products
- Antibacterial (sulfur, tea tree oil)
- Exfoliating (salicylic acid, glycolic acid)
- Comedolytic (benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin)
Is oxy5 a cosmetic?
No, as it contains benzoyl peroxide
It is a pharmaceutical product under general sale list
Is tretinoin readily available?
No as it is a prescription only medicine by doctors