In this article, we will discuss Brief Note on Acne Vulgaris. So, let’s get started.
Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is a common chronic skin disease involving blockage and/or inflammation of hair follicles and their accompanying sebaceous gland. Acne can be present as non-inflammatory lesions,
inflammatory lesions, or a mixture of both, and it is characterized by:
• Open comedones (black heads)
• Closed comedones (white heads)
• Papules
• Enlarged pores of hair follicles
• Pustules
• Scars (occassionally)
Distribution
• Face
• Upper back
• Chest and arms
• Medial sides of thighs
• Buttocks (rarely)
(The condition is commonly seen in adolescents)
Pathophysiology
• Disease of genetic and hormonal factors
• Increased androgens
• Increased sebaceous gland activity
• Propioni bacterium acne organisms
Treatment
a) Comedolytics
• Tretinoin (trans-retinoic acid)
• Benzoyl peroxide (Benoxyl, Persoleforter)
provides bacterio-static action
• Combination of Tretinoinand Benzoyl peroxide
b) Chemotherapy
• Topical agents like Clindamycin, Tetracyclin
• Erythromycin and Aluminium chloride hexahydrate
• Systemic agents like Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Doxycycline, Minocycline
• Clindamycin, Co-trimoxazole, Papsone,
Cimetidine
c) Exfoliants like elemental sulphur, Resorcinol, Salicyclic acid
d) Comedone extraction
e) Corticosteroids (Intralesional)
f) Estrogens and anti-androgens
g) Vitamin A
h) NSAIDs
i) Acne surgery (incision and drainage)
j) Cryotherapy
k) UV rays (UVB)
l) Diet (omit the food items responsible for flare ups)
m) Cosmetic surgery