Acne and its treatment

Question 1

How is acne graded?

Answer 1

Mild, moderate and severe.
Mild- scattered papules, pustules and comodones
Moderate- Numerous papules and pustules with mild scarring
Severe- Cysts, nodules, significant scarring

Question 2

What is a comodone?

Answer 2

White head/ Black head

Question 3

Topical therapies for acne

Answer 3

Benzoyl peroxide- keratolytic (removes keratin layer) and antibacterial
Topical retinoids- drying effect
Topical antibiotics- antibacterial and antiinflammatory.

Question 4

Systemic treatment for acne

Answer 4

Oral antibiotics- must be taken for atleast 6 months. Examples are the tetracylines e.g. doxycycline.
Oral retinoids- e.g. isotretinoin- they have marked effect on sebaceous gland activity. May cause initial flare for the first few weeks and has severe side effects such as congenital defects.