Acne
- It is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the hair follicles and its oil glands(Sebaceous gland)
- Clinical features are open comedones(black heads), closed comedones (white heads), papules and pustules in addition to cysts.
- If associated with hirsutism and irregular period it might be a sign of Androgen overproduction like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and other conditions.
Acne causes are:1-abnormal keratinization within the hair follicle 2- excess oil production 3-colonization of hair follicle by Propionibacterium Acne 4-Release of inflammatory mediators.
Classification and Treatment
Mild | Comedones + Inflammatory papules | Benzoyl Peroxide +- Topical Retinoids +- Topical antibiotic |
Moderate | Same + Nodules | Add oral antibiotic |
Severe | Same + Cysts | Consider oral Isotretinoin |