Acne

Question 1

What causes Acne Vulgaris?

Answer 1

Increased androgen sensitivity
Bacterial colonisation
Increased sebum production

Question 2

What are some of the features of Acne Vulgaris?

Answer 2

Distribution - Back, Face, Chest

Has comedones - Impacted and distended follices, open comedones = blackheads, closed comedones = whiteheads

Question 3

What are the available treatments for Acne Vulgaris?

Answer 3

Topical therapy for mild Acne Vulgaris - Benzoyl peroxide (Antimicrobial), topical antibiotics, topical retinoids (Anti inflammatory)
Oral therapies for severe Acne Vulgaris - Oral antibiotics eg doxycycline (Teratogenic) erythromycin. OCP, oral retinoids

Question 4

What regular tests need to be done in a female patient on oral Retinoids? eg Roacutaine

Answer 4

Very teratogenic so need monthly pregnancy tests

Can only be prescribed by dermatologists

Question 5

What causes Acne Rosacea?

Answer 5

No clear cause
Sugggested increased permeability of blood vessels, made worse by sunlight
Thought to be a genetic element

Question 6

What are the features of Acne Rosacea?

Answer 6

Facial rash - Flushing and redness - especially cheeks, chin and nasal folds.
Get papules, telangectasia, eye redness/irritation
Tend to be men more than women

Question 7

What are the treatments for Acne Rosacea?

Answer 7

Try to avoid direct sunlight
Topical antibiotics eg Metronidazole
Oral antibiotics eg Erythromycin, Lymecycline