Acne

Question 1

How does acne develop?

Answer 1

Sebum is trapped within the hair follicle -> acne

Question 2

What are the 4 basic factors for the development of acne?

Answer 2

1. Hormones
2. Increased sebum production
3. Changes inside the follicle
4. Bacteria

Question 3

How does hormones cause acne?

Answer 3

Androgens cause sebaceous glands to enlarge

Young women have acne flare-ups that coincide with hormonal changes associated with their menstrual cycle

Question 4

Does increased sebum production cause acne? How?

Answer 4

Sebum accumulates in follicle and mixes with dead skin cells and normal skin bacteria as it travels up
(greater the sebum production, greater the likelihood that hair follicle will become clogged)

Question 5

Explain how changes inside the follicle cause acne

Answer 5

Abnormal shedding of these cells / over stimulation of cell renewal can cause clogging of the follicle, trapping sebum

Question 6

What is the bacteria responsible for acne?

Answer 6

P. acnes (it’s a normal bacteria on skin, ingests sebum)
clogged follicle becomes a breeding ground for bacteria

Clogged follicle + lack of oxygen -> favourable environ for P. acnes to grow and multiply rapidly

Question 7

What are the 2 classifications of acne lesions?

Answer 7

1. Non-inflammatory lesions

2. Inflammatory lesions

Question 8

Describe the 2 types of non-inflammatory lesions

Answer 8

1. Open comedones (blackheads)
   - tightly compacted cells & sebum + oxidation gives it the black look
2. Closed comedone (whitehead)

Question 9

What are the 3 types of inflammatory lesions?

Answer 9

1. Papules
2. Pustules
3. Nodules (most srs)

Question 10

How does inflammatory lesions occur?

Answer 10

When sebaceous materials from the comedo get into the surrounding tissue and cause an inflammatory reaction (begins as a non-inflammatory comedo)

Question 11

Is every post-acne mark a scar?

Answer 11

No

A red mark is called an erythematous macule that will fade in 4-6 mths (not a scar)

Question 12

Name 3 main functions of ingredients commonly found in acne products

Answer 12

1. Antibacterial (sulfur, tea tree oil)
2. Exfoliating (salicylic acid, glycolic acid)
3. Comedolytic (benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin)

Question 13

Is oxy5 a cosmetic?

Answer 13

No, as it contains benzoyl peroxide

It is a pharmaceutical product under general sale list

Question 14

Is tretinoin readily available?

Answer 14

No as it is a prescription only medicine by doctors