Acne

Question 1

What is Acne?

Answer 1

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Question 2

What causes Acne?

Answer 2

Aetiology
- Underlying the condition is a genetic predisposition
- Excess sebum production, blockage of follicles, bacteria and inflammation all contribute
- Aggravating factors include cosmetics, medications, some endocrine disorders
(e.g. PCOS)
- Tends to occur in adolescence though not
limited to this period

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology of Acne?

Answer 3

• Disruption to healthy microflora
• Anaerobic C. acnes produces proinflammatory mediators triggering inflammation in follicles
• Hyperkeratinisation of follicles occurs - similar process to psorisis
• Development of lesions - Excess sebum production (androgens contribute here) feeds in here

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of Acne?

Answer 4

Signs and Symptoms
* Appears on face (most cases), back (around half of cases) and chest (under a fifth of cases)
* Lesions include blackheads (open plugged pores) and whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
* Also present may be papules – small red tender lumps
* Pimples (pustules)
* Nodules - large, solid, painful lumps under the skin
* Cystic lesions - painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin

Question 5

What is diagnosis and conventional treatment for Acne?

Answer 5

Conventional treatment
* Topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide - the latter is quite hardcore as its bleach
* Antibiotics for severe cases