Acne

Question 1

What is acne vulgaris?

Answer 1

Chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous unit

Question 2

Prime age for acne in males vs females

Answer 2

Males = 16-19
Females = 14-17

Question 3

Pathogenesis of acne

Answer 3

Poral occlusion
Bacterial occlusion of duct
Dermal inflammation
Increased sebum production

Question 4

Distribution of acne vulgaris

Answer 4

Related to the sites with the most sebaceous glands - face, upper back, anterior chest

Question 5

Morphology of acne vulgaris

Answer 5

Comedones (open = blackhead, closed = whitehead)
Pustules and papules
Cysts
Erythema

Question 6

Secondary features of acne vulgaris

Answer 6

Scars - atrophic, ice pick, texture changes, hypertrophic

Question 7

Acne grading

Answer 7

Mild - scattered papules and pustules, comedones
Moderate - numerous papules and pustules, mild atrophic scarring
Severe - cysts, nodules, significant scarring

Question 8

Treatment for acne

Answer 8

Aim to control/prevent acne
Most will spontaneously resolve over time
Avoid oily substances/triggers
Topical treatment
Systemic treatment

Question 9

Topical treatment for acne

Answer 9

Benzoyl peroxide - keratolytic, antibacterial
Topical vitamin A derivatives - drying effect
Topical antibiotics - antibacterial and anti-inflammatory

Question 10

Systemic treatment for acne

Answer 10

Antibiotics - antibacterial and anti-inflammatory

Isotretinoin (oral retinoid) - effect on sebaceous gland activity but lots of side effects including initial aggravation

Question 11

How many lesions are there in mild to moderate acne?

Answer 11

<30

Question 12

How many lesions are there in severe cystic acne with scarring?

Answer 12

> 125 lesions