Acne & Rosacea Flashcards
What is the key clinical sign for acne vulgaris?
Comedones, pustules/papules, cysts, erythema
What are the common sites of acne?
Face, back, anterior chest
Describe the pathogenesis of acne
- Increased androgen during puberty
- Shedding and accumulation of keratinocytes within the lumen of the infundibulum
- Stimulation of sebum production and proliferation of propionibacterium acnes
- Due to narrow opening sebum, corneocytes and bacteria accumulate in pilosebaceous unit
- Rupture leads to inflammation (neutrophils & T cells)
- Up regulation of genes coding of cytokines
- Pustule & papule formation
What is the difference between open and closed comedones?
Closed - white heads
Open - black heads
What are comedones?
Non-inflamed early lesions of acne
State the main long term consequence of acne
Scars - atrophic, ice-pick, texture changes
Define mild acne
Scattered papules and pustules
Define moderate acne
Numerous papules and pustules with mild scarring
Define severe acne
Cysts, nodules and scarring
OR non responsive to non isotretinoin treatment
What is the first line treatment for acne?
Topical benzoyl perxoide
If topical benzoyl peroxide fails what other topical treatments can be given?
Retinoids
Antibiotics
What are the two oral options for acne treatment?
Antibiotics
Females - oestrogen only contraceptive pill (anti-androgen)
Isotretinoin
In females prescribed isotreinoin what is required?
Two forms of contraception one of which is a barrier form e.g contraceptive pill and condoms
What is the key difference between acne and rosacae?
Rosacae has no comedones
What are the common sites of rosacea?
Nose, chin, cheeks and forehead
