Acne Vulgaris Flashcards
what is acne vulgaris?
inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit (hair follicle and sebaceous gland)
what is the common cutaneous presentation of acne vulgaris?
non-inflammatory lesions
* comedones
inflammatory lesions
* papules
* pustules
* nodules
* cysts
* scarring
what is a comedone?
dilated sebaceous follicle in the skin which can be open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead) due to the accumulation of bacterial and cellular debris
what is a papule?
solid, raised lesion <0.5cm in diameter
what is a pustule?
lesion <0.5cm in diameter that contains pus
what is a nodule?
solid, raised lesion <0.5cm in diameter, but with a deeper component
what is a cyst?
thin walled closed capsule or sac containing fluid
what is the classifcation of mild acne?
presence of non-inflammatory lesions with sparse inflammatory lesions
what is the classification of moderate acne?
widespread non-inflammatory lesions with numerous papules and pustules
what is the classification of severe acne?
extensive inflammatory lesions including nodules, pitting and scarring
what is the aetiology of acne?
- increased sebum production
- increased androgens causing hyperplasia and sebaceous glands
- hyperactive immune response
- bacterial colonisation
what is the managment of mild acne?
topical retinoid +/- benzoyl peroxide
OR
topical tretinoin + antibiotic
what is the management of moderate acne?
azelaic acid 20% with oral antibiotic
OR
oral anti-androgen (females only)
what is the management of severe acne?
oral retinoid
how long should topical acne therapies be tried before effects are seen?
2 months
