Derm (Acne vulgaris, impetigo, herpes) Flashcards
Pathophysiology of acne vulgaris
- increased sebum prdtn will increase sensitivity of sebaceous gland
- formation of microcomedones due to abnormal differrentiation and proliferation of follicle and sebaceous gland
- Cutibacterium acnes within microcomedones
- Perifollicular inflammation of commendone to papule, pustule or nodule
Types of comedones
- open comedones/black heads
- closed comedones/white heads
- giant comedones
Clinical presenation of acne vulgaris
inflammation, redness, papules, some pustules located at cheeks and face, not pruritic
What are the differential diagnosis of acne vulgaris?
- Rosacea: butterefly morphology on cheek, comedones usually not present, may be caused by bacteria and is not linked to androgens
Aggravating factors: alcohol, spicy food, alot of caffeine, overexposure to sunlight, extreme heats, irritating cosmetic, topical CS, friction - Perioral dermatitis: more often in women, assoc with cosmetic makeup or creams, CS can also cause this, excessive saliva from drooling
- Folliculitis (gram -ve): inflammatory cyst
What is the European Union Guidelines Clinical Classification of Acne Vulgaris?
I : comedonal acne (mainly comedones)
II : mild to moderate papulopustular acne
III : severe papulopustular acne, moderate nodular acne
IV : severe nodular acne, conglobate acne
I and II : pri care
III and IV: refer
Clinical presenation of acne conglobata (nodulocystic acne) & acne fulminans
severe acne and inflammation. risk of permanent scarring and pigmentation for life
Non-pharm measures for prevention and tx of acne vulgaris
- low glycemic load diet
- avoid skim milk
- cleansing skin
- do not squeeze pimple -> leads to scarring
- do not touch face
- cleanse face BD
- Use oil free creams and cosmetics
What is an example of evidence based choice of cleanser?
- Generally there is limited efficacy due to the short period of contact with the skin
- Chlorhexidine gluconate 4% solution in a detergent base is as effective as benzoyl peroxide washes but evidence base is weak and irritation a possible side effect,
- Glycolic 1%, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), causes desquamation by
decreasing basal corneocyte cohesion and limiting follicular occlusion - Most are ineffective but clorhexidine gluconate is most effective
What are the basic goals of pharmacotherapy of acne vulgaris?
- alleviate clinical smx
- prevent scarring and PIH
- reduce psychological stress
Type of scarring assoc with acne vulgaris
- ice pick scars
- hypertrophic scars
- atrophic scars
Which part of the acne pathogensis does drug act on
P. acnes proliferation: benzoyl peroxide (cheap, TOP, effective), TOP/PO ABs, Isotretinoin (for sev acne)
Abnormal keratinisation of follicle: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, TOP retinoids, Isotretinoin
Inflammatory response: Intralesional/PO CS, TOP/PO ABs
Abnormal sebum: antiadrogens (for women), isotretinoin, TOP/PO ABs, CS, estrogens
Types of topical pharmacotherapy for acne vulgaris
- retinoids
- benzoyl peroxide
- salicylic acid
- azelaic acid
What is the use of topical retinoids: Adapalene (Differin)?
- Third generation (poly-aromatic) retinoid, stable, fast acting anti-acne treatment with both significant anti-inflammatory and comedolytic properties
- Adapalene release from lotions and hydro-alcoholic gels is more effective than from creams and aqueous gels and a microsphere gel formulation may be less irritating 1
- Adapalene is generally regarded as the topical retinoid of first choice for both treatment and maintenance therapy, as it is as effective but less irritating than other topical retinoids
- It is available in fixed-dose combinations in specialised gel vehicles with benzoyl peroxide to increase the efficacy in comparison with monotherapy [Epiduo Topical Gel TM]
- First line of tx for maintenance + treatment for mild acne. commonly used with benzoyl peroxide
What to monitor for adapalene?
SE: erythema, xerosis, burning and desquamation
Less irritation than other retinoids
Photoirritation or sensitisation.
Degree and/or changes in S&S of irritancy to skin (subsides w time). Skin changes in areas of sun exposure (avoid sunlight!)
What is the use of topical antimicrobial agent: Benzoyl peroxide?
- antimicrobial, anti-comedonal and anti-inflammatory
- can be used concomittantly with topical retinoids and antibiotics (prevent resistence)
- sunscreen is rec with use
- for mild or mod acne