Acne and rosacea

Question 1

What factors lead to the development of acne? (4)

Answer 1

Occlusion of pores
Increased sebum production during puberty
Bacterial colonization
Dermal inflammation

Question 2

What defines the severity of acne?

Answer 2

Number of lesions as well as extent of scarring

Question 3

What is the best topical treatment for mild and moderate acne?

Answer 3

Benzoyl peroxide

Question 4

Antibiotics for ace management?

Answer 4

Erythromycin
Oxytetracyline
Doxycycline

Question 5

Which class of drug is roaccutane?

Answer 5

Isotretinoin

Question 6

Features of rosacea? (2)

Answer 6

Papules and pastules on nose, chin, cheeks, forehead

Prominent facial flushing

Question 7

Triggers for rosacea? (2)

Answer 7

Extremes of hot, cold

Spicy food

Question 8

Rosacea complications (3)

Answer 8

Permanent telangiectasia
Ocular inflammation
Rhinophyma

Question 9

Management of rosacea (3)

Answer 9

Avoidance of triggers
Topical metronidazole
Antibiotics/roaccutane

Question 10

Problems with benzoyl peroxide?

Answer 10

Mildly irritant; causes skin peeling

Question 11

What can be used as treatment for acne in teenage girls?

Answer 11

Oral contraceptives

Dianette (also has contraceptive effect but not licensed for this)

Question 12

How long should systemic treatment for acne be continued?

Answer 12

At least 3-4 months

Question 13

Adverse effects of oral isotretinoin? (5)

Answer 13

Dry skin, lips, eyes
Raised lipids
Hair thinning
Acne flare
Teratogenicity

Question 14

What are the functions of sebaceous glands?

Answer 14

Discharge sebum, which lubricates and waterproofs the skin; also mildly bacteriocidal and fungistatic

Question 15

What has been suggested as a dietary trigger for acne?

Answer 15

High glycaemic load diets

Question 16

Drugs which can commonly cause acne? (2)

Answer 16

Corticosteroids

Anabolic steroids

Question 17

Hyperpigmentation, ambigious genitalia and acne suggests…

Answer 17

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Question 18

What treatment should be avoided in rosacea and why?

Answer 18

Topical steroids- can cause widespread facial erythema and rebound flares upon cessation of treatment