Acne Flashcards
1
Q
Acne Vulgaris
A
- inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicles that are clogged with dead cells and oil
- the follicle becomes impacted with shed skin cells. The follicle may be blocked leading to comedone formation
2
Q
Acne Vulgaris Characteristics
A
Black heads, white heads, pimples, greasy skin, and scarring
3
Q
Epidemiology
A
- Typically presents at ages 8-12, peaks at ages 15-18, and resolves by age 25
- worse in males
4
Q
Causes
A
- Genetic predisposition
- Raised hormone levels, especially testosterone
- Thickening of follicular wall due to hyperproliferation leading to more dead cells
- Blockages in the follicles by dead skin cells
- Increased production of sebum by sebaceous glands to mix up with dead cells
- Bacteria in the follicles (Propionibacterium acnes) are involved: overgrowth of p. acnes
- Inflammation in the skin surrounding the follicles
5
Q
Factors that may exacerbate acne
A
- Emotional stress
- Premenstrual stress
- Mechanical Trauma
- Occlusive Clothing
- High humidity
- Harsh scrubbing of the skin
- Some cosmetic oils and topical products
- Various medications, especially steroids
- Psychological stress
- The role of diet is not clear
6
Q
Infant acne
A
- typically shows up after a few weeks
- appears on cheeks, forehead, chin, and even back
- no clear cause (possibly hormones that babies receive from their mother)
- may occur for up to 3 months
- Clears spontaneously
7
Q
Acne Vulgaris: The basics
A
- characterized by open & closed comedones, papules,pustules, cysts, nodules, and even scars
- primary sites are on the face, chest, back, and shoulders
- Severe acne should be treated to avoid permanent scars
8
Q
Non-inflammatory lesions
A
- clogged hair follicles by skin cells & sebum
- Open comedone (black head - filled w/ blackened keratin)
- Closed comedone (white head - follicle is completely blocked)
9
Q
Inflammatory Lesions
A
- Papules - elevated red bumps
- Pustules - elevated white pus bumps
- Nodules - elevated large and sometimes tender firm bumps
- “Cysts” - aka nodules, and if pus-filled called fluctuant nodule
10
Q
Scars
A
- Usually sharply punched out pits or deeper furros
- Hypertrophic and keloids
- can have Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
11
Q
Hypertropic Scars
A
thick scar same size as the lesion
12
Q
Keloid Scar
A
Scar larger than the original lesion;
13
Q
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
A
Inflammation induces melanocyte to produce melanin
typically become lighter or go away in a few months
14
Q
Acne Classification
A
Based on the morphology and severity (number of acnes)
15
Q
Grade 1
A
Mild acne. The skin will display open and closed comedones and occasionally minor pimples. There is no inflammation.
