Acne Vulgaris


Acne vulgaris is a condition in which the hair follicles are blocked by sebum and keratinous material. This blockage causes formation of cyst/comedones. Propionibacterium acnes within comedones break down sebum into free fatty acids.

History and Physical Exams:
  • Acne is associated with changes in androgen levels
  • Found primarily in puberty
  • More common in males than in females
  • Open comedones - blackheads and closed comedones - whiteheads on the face, neck, arms, back, and buttocks
  • Drugs are related to acne: lithium, steroids, OCPs, androgens
Treatments:

  1. Treatments are according to the severity of acne
  2. Mild case: topical clindamycin or erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids
  3. Moderate case: treatments in mild case plus oral antibiotics
  4. Severe case: oral isotretinoin (Accutane)

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