acne

• Acne

  Hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells (keratin/sebum)
• Affected areas of acne

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Centre of chest
  • Upper back
  • Shoulder
• Types of acne

  • Whiteheads - closed plugged pores
  • Blackheads - open plugged pores
  • Pimples - papules with pus at their tips
  • Nodules - painful lumps under the skin
• Causes of drug-induced acne

  • Lithium
  • Phenytoin
  • Progesterones
  • Levonorgestrel
  • Norethisterone
• Acne refer?

  
  

  • Drug induced
  • Symptoms unresponsive to 8 weeks treatment
• 1st line treatment in acne - Benzoyl peroxide

  • Acnecide 5% gel
  • Keratolytic effect with antibacterial properties
  • Suitable for 12 yrs and over
  • Bleaching effect on clothes/pillows
  • Avoid sunlight - use SPF (sun protection)
• 2nd line treatment in acne - Nicotinamide gel


  • Freederm gel
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Limited evidence in acne
• Counselling in acne?

  
  

  • Stinging, drying, soreness, peeling of the skin can occur initially
  • Reducing: frequency of application/ strength of product can be tried
  • regular use is required
  • avoid oil based cosmetics/use water based
  • no evidence that poor hygiene or certain foods can cause acne
  • sunlight can help reduce acne