DERMATOLOGY >> ACNE
WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne is a self-limited disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, that is seen, primarily, in adolescents. Most cases of acne present with pleomorphic variety of lesions, consisting of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lessions1
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ACNE LESIONS?
- Non-inflammatory lesions: microcomedones( A) & comedones( B)
- Inflammatory lesions: papules, pustules ( C) & nodules( D)1
WHAT IS THE ETIOLOGY OF ACNE?
Four main factors are involved in acne’s pathogenesis:
- Follicular epidermal hyperproliferation
- Excess sebum production
- The presence and activity of P. acnes
- Inflammation
WHAT IS THE THE TREATMENT TARGET?
Acne treatment targets to:
- Correct the altered pattern of follicular keratinization
- Decrease sebaceous glands activity
- Decrease the follicular bacterial population, particularly P.acnes
- Exert an anti-inflammatory effect1
WHICH ARE THE AVAILABLE TREATMENTS?
- Cleansing of the skin
- Topical agents like Azelaic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, topical retinoids etc
- Per os antibiotics
- Hormonal therapy
- Isotretinoin
- Intralesional corticosteroids
- Phototherapy & lasers1
Despite the fact that the local drugs have shown great efficacy in the management of acne, most of the times during their use, some side effects like skin redness, dryness, peeling, mild burning, swelling may occur and patients are forced to discontinue the therapy. Furthermore, the resistance of P.acnes to antibiotics has increased in the last decades.
In such cases, there are other available options on the market, with agents that have similar efficacy with drugs, but with no side effects, such as:
Sytenol A® is a equally effective to vitamin A and its addressing to skin care issues without its side effects. It effects beneficially on skins prone to oiliness, decongests pores of the skin and regulates sebum secretion. It has antimicrobial, keratolytic and anti-inflammatory action.
Salicylic Acid is anti-bacterial, keratolytic, it renews the skin by exfoliating dead cells and has anti-inflammatory properties. It stimulates cell renewal and improves the appearance of the skin making, soft and renewed.
Tea tree oil is proved to be effective in treating acne, while its antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral properties can contribute to the efficient skin healing, restoring, cleansing and refreshing.
Αlkanna Tinctoria extract has strong anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and regenerating effect. It moisturizes, nourishes, rejuvenates and regenerates the skin. It prevents scarring and is beneficial in cases of acne.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- For cleansing, use a product which does not disrupt the pH of your skin. Twice daily washing with a gentle cleanser followed by the application of acne treatments may encourage a routine and therefore better compliance.
- Most topical treatments will probably cause thinning of your epidermis. You will be advised to use a sunscreen during the day
- Acne just like other skin diseases takes time to be treated. Showing compliance to your therapy will give you the best results
REFERENCES
1. Fitzpatrick – dermatology in general medicine 7th edition
