Acne Vulgaris Flashcards
What is acne?
Disease of the pilosebaceous unit.
What are comedones due to?
A dilated sebaceous follicle
What are inflammatory lesions due to?
Follicle bursts releasing irritants
What do burst follicles result in?
papules
pustules
Who is normally affected by acne vulgaris?
Adolescents
Where on the body is usually affected by acne vulgaris?
Face, neck and upper trunk
What is acne vulgaris due to?
Obstruction of the pilosebaceous follicle with keratin plugs which results in comedones, inflammation and pustules.
What is the initial management of acne vulagris?
Single topical therapy
-Topical retinoids
-Benzoyl peroxide
What is the second step in the management of acne vulgaris?
Topical combination therapy
-Topical antibiotic,
-Benzoyl peroxide
-Topical retinoid
What is the third step in the management of acne vulgaris?
oral antibiotics:
tetracyclines:
-Lymecycline
- oxytetracycline
- doxycycline
When should tetracyclines be avoided in the management of acne vulagris?
In pregnant or breastfeeding women
Children younger than 12
What can be used instead of tetracyclines in pregnant women?
Erythromycin
What should be prescribed with a topical retinoid (if not contraindicated) or benzoyl peroxide be co-prescribed with?
Oral antibiotics to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance developing
What medications shouldn’t be used in combination?
Topical and oral antibiotics should
What can be used as an alternative to oral antibiotics in women?
Combined oral contraceptives (COCP)
What medication can only be used under supervision for more severe acne?
Oral isotretinoin
What are the possible complications of acne vulgaris?
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Scarring
What is mild acne vulagris?
Presence of non-inflammatory lesions with sparse inflammatory lesions
What is moderate acne vulagris?
Widespread non-inflammatory lesions with numerous papules and pustules
What is severe acne vulgaris?
Extensive inflammatory lesions including nodules, pitting and scarring
Can isotretinoin be used in pregnancy?
No- contraindicated
How long should a single antibiotic therapy be given?
Maximum 3 month
How does acne vulgaris present?
Combination non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions on a background of greasy skin
What is the name of the inflammatory lesions in someone with acne vulgaris?
Papules and Pustules
What is the name of the non-inflammatory lesions in someone with acne vulgaris?
Comedones
