Acne and Skin Care IV

Vocabulary and categorization flashcards covering anatomy, types, grading, and pharmacological treatments of acne based on the lecture notes.

Pilosebaceous unit

A unit composed of a sebaceous gland and a hair follicle; these units are larger on the face, upper back, and chest.

Propionibacterium acnes

A bacterium that thrives in plugged follicles and produces chemicals and enzymes that cause inflammation.

Comedo

An enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria.

Whitehead

A closed comedo that appears as a small, white bump because it is not open to the air.

Blackhead

An open comedo where sebum has direct contact with the air, causing it to oxidize and appear dark in color.

Papules

Small, pink, inflamed bumps on the skin that are often tender to the touch.

Pustules

Inflamed, pus-filled lesions that may have a red base.

Nodules

Large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin.

Cysts

Deep, inflamed, pus-filled lesions that can cause pain and permanent scarring.

Microcomedo

The earliest stage of acne caused by abnormal keratinization of cells and obstruction of the follicle with impacted cells and sebum.

Grade I Acne (Comedonal)

A mild form of acne involving comedones only, with fewer than $10$ on the face and no scarring.

Grade II Acne (Papular)

Acne characterized by $10-25$ papules on the face and trunk, mild scarring, and inflammatory lesions less than $5\,mm$ in diameter.

Grade III Acne (Pustular)

Acne characterized by more than $25$ pustules with moderate scarring and visible purulent cores.

Grade IV Acne (Severe/Persistent Pustolcystic)

Acne characterized by nodules or cysts, inflammatory lesions greater than $5\,mm$ in diameter, and extensive scarring.

Benzoyl Peroxide

An OTC topical agent available in $2.5\%$, $5\%$, and $10\%$ strengths that acts as a keratolytic and antibacterial agent.

Salicylic Acid

A mild comedolytic and surface keratolytic agent used in concentration levels of $0.5-2\%$.

Sulphur

A keratolytic and antibacterial agent used at $3-10\%$; its effect is enhanced when combined with $2\%$ resorcinol.

Clindamycin

A topical antibiotic ($1\%$ gel/lotion) used twice daily to decrease $P. acnes$; improvement is typically seen after $6-8$ weeks.

Systemic Antibiotics

Oral medications such as tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline that require at least $6$ months of treatment for effectiveness.

Adapalene

A topical retinoid used for maintenance that normalizes follicular hyperproliferation; it may cause initial worsening of acne in the first $1-3$ weeks.

Oral Isotretinoin

A vitamin A derivative used for severe acne that carries an extremely high risk of causing birth defects in infants.

Macules

Flat, reddish spots on the skin.

Tetracyclines

A group of oral antibiotics, including minocycline and doxycycline, used for systemic treatment of acne.