Acne Vulgaris Flashcards
What is acne vulgaris?
It is defined as a condition in which there is disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, characterised by pustules, papules and comedones
What is a pilosebacous unit?
It consists of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland
What is the most common dermatological condition?
Acne Vulgaris
What is the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris?
There is follicular epidermal hyperproliferation – which results in the formation of a keratin plug
This keratin plug causes obstruction of the pilosebaceous unit
Acne vulgaris is multifactorial. What are the three pathophysiological factors that contribute to its development?
Increased sebum production due to androgenic hormones
Bacterial colonisation with Propionibacterium acnes
Increased inflammatory mediators due to innate immune system activation
What are the four classification of acne vulgaris?
Mild Acne Vulgaris
Moderate Acne Vulgaris
Severe Acne Vulgaris
Acne Fulminans
What is mild acne vulgaris?
It is defined as the formation of open and closed comedones with or without sparse papules and pustules
What is moderate acne vulgaris?
It is defined as the formation of widespread non-inflammatory lesions and several papules and pustules
What is severe acne vulgaris?
It is defined as the formation of extensive inflammatory lesions, including nodules, cysts and scarring
What is acne fulminans?
It is defined as a severe form of acne, which is associated with systemic upset
What are the three systemic clinical features associated with acne fulminans?
Malaise
Fever
Joint Pains
What is the management option of acne fulminans?
It usually requires hospital admission with oral steroids
What are the six risk factors associated with acne vulgaris?
Adolescent Age
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Topical Skin Products
High Glycaemic Index Foods
Drug Administration
What four drugs are associated with acne vulgaris?
Testosterone
Steroids
Antiepileptics
EGFR Inhibitors
How is polycystic ovarian syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, steroid/testosterone administration associated with acne vulgaris?
They cause excess androgen levels
What are the seven clinical features of acne vulgaris?
Comedones
Papules
Pustules
Nodules
Cysts
Scarring
Pigmented Macules
What are comedones?
They are blocked, dilated hair follicles
What are the two classifications of comedones?
Whiteheads
Blackheads
What are whiteheads?
They are defined as blocked hair follicles covered by skin
What are blackheads?
They are defined as blocked dilated hair follicles not covered by skin
What are papules?
They are defined as < 1cm, erythematous, solid inflammatory lesions
What are pustules?
They are defined as < 1cm, well-circumscribed, erythematous epidermal lesions filled with pus
What are nodules?
They are defined as > 1cm, well-circumscribed, erythematous epidermal lesions filled with pus