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Introduction:
Definition:
Multi-factorial disease characterized by
abnormalities in sebum
production, follicular desquamation, bacterial
proliferation and
inflammation.
Prevalence:
85% adolescents experience it
Prevalence of comedones (lesions) in
adolescents approaches 100%
Overview
Acne vulgaris is the most common cutaneous disorder in
the U.S.
It affects more than 17 million Americans.
Acne Vulgaris
Pathogenesis:
Acne vulgaris is a disease of
pilosebaceous follicles.
Factors:
Retention hyperkeratosis.
Propionibacterium acnes
within the follicle.
Inflammation
continue
As more cells and sebum are added, the
comedo becomes visible (whitehead) and is
called a closed comedo, is., its content do not
reach the surface of the skin. If plug enlarges
and protrudes from the orifice of the follicular
canal, it is called an Open comedo, its contents
open to the surface of the skin. The tip may
darken (blackhead) because of the accumulation
of melanin that is produced by the epithelial cells
of the follicular lining.
Pathogenesis
Sebaceous glands enlarge
Sebum production increases
Pathogenesis
Bacteria thrive
Inflammation results
Inflammatory papule/
pustule/nodule
Terms/Definitions
Microcomedone:
closed comedo
(a whitehead):
Accumulation of sebum
converts a
microcomedo into this.
Inflammatory acne
Acne characterized by inflammation surrounding the
comedones, papules, pustules, and nodulocystic lesions. it
may cause permanent scarring.
Inflammatory acne begins in closed comedones, rarely in
open ones. As the micro comedo develops, it .distends the
follicle, which cause thinning of the walls. primary
inflammation of the follicle wall develops with the disruption
of the epithelium and infiltration of lymphocytes in to the
adjacent area of the dermis.
Normal sebum does not contain free fatty acids and is
nonirritating, however, in the presence of biolytic enzymes
produced by C.acne) , triglycerides of the sebum are split
and release fatty acids which are irritating to the tissue.
Thus sebum contribute to inflammation of the surrounding
tissue.
The inflamed follicle or pustules either heal in about a week
or develop in to cyst or sterile abscesses, which can lead to
scaring.
Cysts
Cysts:
when follicles rupture into
surrounding tissues,
resulting in
papule/pustule/nodule.
Cysts
Aggravating factors
Change in sebaceous activity and hormonal
level (e.g. before or during premenstrual cycle)
High humidity conditions
Local irritation or friction
Rough or occlusive clothing
Cosmetics( having greasy base)
Diet; chocolate, nuts, fats colas, or
carbohydrates.
Oils greases , or dyes in hair product.
ACTH
Azathioprine
Barbiturates
Isoniazid
Lithium
phenytoin
Disulfiram
Halogens
Iodides
Steroids
Cyclosporine
Vitamins B2,6,12
continue
Combination of resorcinol and salicylic acid in ethanol solution
is advantageous because it dries quickly and does not leave a
visible film.
Benzoyl peroxide;(5to 10% cream)a primary irritant which
increases the growth rate of epithelial cells, causing an
increased rate of sloughing and promoting resolution of
comedones,
Salicylic acid is used in concentration of o.5 to 2%.
Applied at night after washing the affected area with soap and
water.
Resorcinol(1to 4%) may produce a dark brown scale on some
black- skinned people; reaction is reversible when the condition
is discontinued.
NB, the drug may produces a feeling of warmth, slight stinging ,
and reddening of the skin . If this action is excessive the
preparation should be removed with soap and water and not
reapplied until the next day. It should not be used on the eye
lids, lips, or neck.
Oral tetracycline
Acne is not an infection, so topically antibacteril agent
are ineffective, these agents cannot reach in the deeper
areas of the follicles( to the anaerobic coryn bacterium
acne)
ERYTHROMYCIN:
2% solution in 2:2:1 mix of ethanol- ethylene glycol
monomethyl ether + propylene glycol.
NB, erythromycin reduce level of fatty acid of the follicles
to the level reached by the oral tetracyclin Why ?
It is lipid soluble antibiotics which can penetrate the
sebaceous follicle to suppress c. bacterium acne
Both oral tetracyclin and local erythromycin are
prescription drugs only.
Effect of sunlight
Is often beneficial in acne conditions, due to the
irritant properties of the UV rays.
Secondary formulation factors.
. Lotion and creams, are generally used as the
vehicles to carry anti acne medication to the
skin. They should have a low fat content so that
they do not counteract drying and peeling.
.ethyl or isopropyl alcohol added to the liquid
preparations and gels hastens their drying to a
film.
Comedonal acne
Other topical agents:
Useful when topical retinoids not tolerated
Clindamycin
Erythromycin
Tetracycline
Metronidazole
Azelaic acid
Oral isotretinoin
Reduces sebaceous gland size/sebum production
regulates cell proliferation and differentiation
Effect last 1 yr after cessation
Only med altering course of A. Vulgaris
Oral antibiotics
-Tetracycline
- minocycline
- doxycycline
- erythromycin
- TMP-SMX
- clindamycin
Patient FAQs
Soaps, detergents
remove sebum but do
not alter production
Avoid occlusive
clothing
Water based
cosmetic better than
oil based
Diet modification no
role in rx