Dermatology 1: Acne Flashcards
what is acne
-inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles and causes spots and oily skin
what are the lesion types of acne
-comedones: non inflamed. can be open, where it appears black/yellow due to the trapped sebum and dead skin cells being oxidised. or closed comedones where it appears like a white firm bump. micro comedones are clinically invisible
-inflammatory lesions such as papules (no pus, red and sore), pustules (pus/white tip). can develop into cysts or nodules, risk of scarring and can be red and painful
whats the epidemiology of acne (how often the disease occurd)
-predominant in males during adolescence/puberty and females during adulthood.
-young people predominantly (12-25)
what is the aetiology (scientific cause) of acne
-sebacous glands undernetah the skin producde sebum or oil to keep the skin smooth but then it causes blockage in the hair follicles. overporduction of keratin
-hormonal chnages can increase the production of sebum
what can cause acne
-cosmetic products such as makeup, skincare, hair prodcuts
-pcos
-hormonal changes
-medication
differential diagnosis of acne
-rosacea
-ingrown hairs (hair growing out of follicle imporpely and can cause inflammation)
-keratosis pilaris, small bumps under the skin due to keratin overload
what are the types of acne scars
-PIH, post inflammatiory hyperpigmentation. more common in darker skin. abnormal release of melanin. can take 6 months ot heal
-PIE, post inflammatory erythema
OSCE style questions to ask for acne diagnosis
-how long acne has been present
-any meds or creams tried
-any cosmetics or makeup used
-where is the acne
-infection? (pus filled and really red, large, and painful
when to refer for acne
-moderate to severe condition
-no response to OTC medication after 8 weeks for mild acne
-suspected acne rosacea
management for acne
-don’t wash more than twice a day
-don’t pick at skin or scrub skin. avoids scarring
-use fragrance free, simple products such as mild soap
-avoid oil based cosmetic products
Treatment for acne
-benzoyl peroxide: 2.5%, 5%, 10%. (panoxyl)
-gel or cream
-helps removal of comedones
-can bleach clothes
-wash the skin 20 mins before use. Pat dry the skin. Apply around the whole skin, avoid sensitize areas like under the eyes. Allow to dry before using moisturiser
how to prevent irritatio when using acne treating products
-use lowest strength first
-increase strength depending on the response and if irritation occurs then stop using it until it goes away
how long does it take for acne treating medicines to work
-4 weeks of improvement, 6-8 weeks of major improvement/progress.
-may cause purging
