Acne Vulgaris

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Lesions that develop from sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles
-Face, back, chest, anogenital areas

Obstruction of sebaceous ducts result in closed comedones (whiteheads) and open comedones (blackheads) - colour is melanin not dirt

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

HORMONES

• PCOS
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Cushing’s Syndrome
• Acromegaly (increase growth hormone)

MEDICATIONS

• Steroids
• Phenytoin
• Barbiturates
• Isoniazid
• Ciclosporin
• Lithium

EXTRINSIC

• Oil
• Coal & Tar

Question 3

Risk Factors

Answer 3

M>F
Puberty
FHx

Question 4

Management

Answer 4

GENERAL

• Education skin not dirty - do not overwash
• Treatments can take 3-4 months for effect

MILD ACNE - TOPICAL

• Antibiotics - erythromycin or clindmycin
• Benzoyl peroxide w/ a topical retinoid

MODERATE ACNE - ORAL

• Oral antibiotics for 4 month course
• Females oral contraceptive

SEVERE - ORAL
-Retinoid (tetragenic and depression)