Wednesday 5 November 2008

Acne expert opinion: pathogenesis of acne: 4 key elements acne factors linked to treatment options

Now you have known the basics about acne, what is acne? What cause acne hereAcne Expert points: Top three questions you should know the answers about acneI want to go little deep of what are the 4 key elements that caused acne?
Acne is a common condition affecting millionsof adolescents and adults. Up to 80% of teenage girls and 90% of teenage boys are afflicted with acne. Adult acne, although less common than adolescent acne, is a bigproblem for 3% to 6% of adult men as well as 5% to 12% of adult women.Although the occurance of acne does not impair patients themselves, it can have a huge effect on people’s mindset.Thirty to fifty percent of adolescents experience psychiatric disorders as the result of acne. It has been reported that acne causes similar levels of social, psychological, and emotionalimpairment as asthma and epilepsy. Studies have also shownthat unemployment is greater among adults with acne thanamong adults without acne.We as physicians must recognize the significant impairmentthat acne can have on a patient’s psyche and treat itseriously.To implement effective treatment strategies for patientswith acne, a solid understanding of the physiology ofthe pilosebaceous unit and the pathological events that leadThe pathogenesis of acne is very complexbut consists of 4 main factors.
These key elements are:(1)follicular epidermal hyperplasia,(2) excess sebum production,(3) inflammation,(4) and the activity of Propionibacterium acnes. Some acne treatments address 1 of the 4 factors ofacne formation whereas other treatments address multiplecomponents.
A myriad of treatment options ranging from washes, toleave of products, to oral agents, to lasers and light sourcesexist. It is important that the physician understands thegamut of treatment options so that they can be successfullyused. A thorough knowledge of potential side effects andefficacy of each treatment is necessary so that physicians canappropriately educate their patients. This issue will aid thephysicians by presenting an up-to-date compendium of therapeuticapproaches to treating acne vulgaris.

Acne expert opinion: pathogenesis of acne: 4 key elements acne factors linked to treatment options

No comments: