What Are Options for Acne Treatment?
Discussion
Acne vulgaris or acne is a problem of the pilosebaceous follicle. It occurs most prominently where sebaceous glands are abundant especially the face, neck, and upper back. Sebum production increases because of androgens. Keratin and sebum clog the pores of the pilosebaceous unit causing hyperkeratosis (clogged pilosebaceous unit = clogged pores = comedomes). Propionibacterium acnes, a gram-negative anaerobe, multiplies in the sebaceous unit causing an inflammatory reaction resulting in moderate or severe acne.
Skin lesions include:
Comedomal acne has comedomes
White heads = closed comedomes
Black heads = open comedomes
Inflammatory acne has papules and pustules
Nodulocystic acne has nodules and cysts
For each type, the density and extent of the lesions should be noted. Scarring presence or absence should be noted. Any scarring should be treated aggressively. Patients with cystic or scarring acne or who are difficult to treat should be referred to a dermatologist.
Some reasons for treatment failures include:
Lack of adherence is the most common reason for failure. Discussing with the patient what part(s) of the treatment regiment are not working and why can help adherence.
Unrealistic expectations – Need to follow the treatment for at least 2-3 months before effectiveness can be evaluated.
Irritation because of drying, itching, burning, etc. Check to make sure that patients are also not using other medications such as astringents, antibacterial soaps, s...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: pediatriceducationmin Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news
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