OTC - acne

Question 1

Acne symptoms?

Answer 1

• whiteheads (closed comedones)
• blackheads (open comedones)
• spots (red papules)
• pustules (small papules filled pus)

Commonly affected areas = face, neck, upper back, shoulders and centre of chest

Question 2

Referral criteria?

Answer 2

• children under 12 (hormone problems?)
• adults over 25 for first time
• acne rosacea “butterfly pattern): reddening of cheeks with papules and pustules, confined to face only, common in middle aged - may be systemic lupus erythematosus
• appears on back or chest or anywhere but face
• medication adr (lithium, phenytoin and progestogens)
• OTC failure > 8 weeks
• moderate-severe acne