acne Flashcards
how to differentiate mild, moderate, and severe acne
mild - lesions confined to the “T-zone” - forehead, nasal bridge, chin
severe has scarring
moderate is in between
medical treatment of mild acne - escalation pathway
- start with benzoyl peroxide 5% or topical retinoid (adapalene 0.1%)
- if no improvement, add the other after 6-12 weeks
- if its mainly inflammatory, use benzoyl peroxide 5% + clindamycin 1%
topical retinoids are preferred for what type of acne
non-inflammatory lesions
topical antibiotics are preferred for what type of acne
inflammatory lesions
what are inflammatory acne lesions
- pustules
- red papules
- nodules
- cysts
what are non-inflammatory acne lesions
open and closed comedoes
name 2 topical retinoids for acne
tretinoin 0.025%
adapalne 0.1%
application regimen for topical retinoids, counselling points (4)
- use every 2nd night after washing for 2 weeks, then progress to every night
- apply to whole area of skin affected by acne lesions
- wash off product in morning
- teratogenic in females, use protection
counselling points for benzoyl peroxide 5%
- wash face before use
- follow instructions on bottle
treatment options for moderate-to-severe acne - escalation pathway
antibiotics - doxycycline 100mg daily for 6/52, then continue if effective
OR
combined oral contraceptive pill - diane-35 (contains cyproterone) for at least 6/12
if no improvement at 6/12, change to a diff abx (erythromycine) OR add COCP
acne - nonmedication advice (8)
do
- oil free sunscreen and make-up
- healthy diet with omega-3
- use low-irritant, non-soap, pH balanced cleanser
don’t
- pick at it
- follow extreme diets
- exfoliate
- use cheap soaps
- moisturise, unless using benzoyl peroxide
what are comedones
hyperkeratinised bumps
retinoids are chemically related to what vitamin
vitamin A
how to choose a base medium for topical retinoids
use a cream for dry skin, gel for oily skin
