Acne Flashcards
5 processes of acne
- basal keratinocyte proliferation in pilosebaceous follicles
- increases sebum production
- bacterial colonisation with Propionibacterium acnes
- inflammation
- comedones (black and white heads) block secretions
mild acne
non-inflammatory - open and closed comedones
moderate/severe acne
inflammatory - comedones, papules, nodules, cysts, pustules, scarring
mild papulopustular acne medication
Benzoyl peroxide or Azelaic acid
topical antibiotics for acne
erythromycin, clindamycin and tetracycline, but only for <12 weeks
topical retinoids
isotretinoin, tretinoin or adapalene
other treatments
blue light phototherapy, laser therapy
oral antibiotics for acne
Doxycycline or Oxytetracycline - can be issued in moderate acne alongside topical retinoids
anti-androgen treatments
can be used in females, e.g. standard oral contraceptives or Dianette
Oral isotretinoin (roaccutane), and acetretin
effective at reducing sebum but teratogenic, used in severe cases
treatment for acne scars
laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion with aluminium oxide, chemical peels
criteria for acne referral
- development or risk of scarring despite primary care treatment
- moderate acne that persists after 6 months of primary care treatment
- urgent referral for severe acne e.g. acne fulminans or nodulocystic acne
acne rosacea
a chronic disorder of blood vessels and sebaceous glands in central facial regions, more common in older adults
acne rosacea features
flushing, telangiectasias, erythema, prominent sebaceous glands, eye redness, rhinophyma (bulbous nose), no comedones
treatment of mild rosacea
topical metronidazole or azelaic acid
