Chapter 6: Acne Vulgaris (Common acne) Flashcards
What is acne?
A disorder of the hair follicles and oil glands (sebaceous glands).
What does sebaceous glands do to keep the skin moist?
Secrete oils (sebum).
Where does the sebum produced travels through?
The hair follicles to the skin.
How does sebum get blocked?
Skin cells plug the follicles.
What happens when follicles become plugged?
Skin bacteria begin to grow inside the follicles causing inflammation and pimples to develop.
Where does acne most often appears?
Where there is a high concentration of sebaceous glands.
Where is a high concentration of sebaceous glands?
The face, chest, upper back, neck and shoulders.
What does acne pimples can be?
Papules, pustules, cysts or nodules.
What are Blackheads (open comedones)?
Pores that have been blocked by sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria.
How are Blackheads?
A small black opening at the top (not dirt).
Why does Blackheads have a black head?
It’s from the process of oxidation when the sebum is exposed to air.
What are Whiteheads (closed comedones)?
Pustules that are sealed over and have a small white pus top.
What are Acne Papules?
Red bumps on the skin.
What are Cysts?
Pus-filled, deep, painful lesion that often result in scars.
What are Nodules?
Inflamed lesions, hard, painful lumps under the skin that can be filled with pus.
