Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the sebaceous (oil) glands and hair follicles, leading to comedones (blackheads & whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
Mnemonic: "A.C.N.E. = Androgens Cause Nasty Eruptions"
CAUSES OF ACNE
- Hormones (Increased Androgens → More Sebum).
- Increased Sebum Production (Oily Skin).
- Bacterial Growth (Propionibacterium acnes).
- Blocked Pores (Dead Skin Cells & Oil).
- Inflammation (Due to Bacterial Enzymes).
- Mnemonic: "H.S.B.B.I." (Hormones, Sebum, Bacteria,
Blockage, Inflammation)
TYPES OF ACNE
1. Acne Vulgaris (Common Acne)
- Occurs in Adolescents (Puberty – Most Common).
- Affects Face, Chest, & Back.
- Features: Comedones (Blackheads & Whiteheads), Papules, Pustules, Nodules.
- Mnemonic: "C.P.P.N." (Comedones, Papules, Pustules,
Nodules)
2. Infantile Acne
- Occurs in Babies (Few Months Old).
- Affects Cheeks & Forehead.
- Resolves Spontaneously.
- Mnemonic: "I.B.C." (Infantile, Baby Face, Clears Itself)
3. Severe Acne Types
Acne Conglobata
- Severe Form of Acne with Large, Painful Nodules & Cysts.
- More Common in Males.
- Leads to Deep Scars.
Acne Fulminans
- Sudden Onset Severe Acne with Fever & Joint Pain.
- Needs Urgent Treatment.
Pyoderma Faciale
- Severe Acne in Adult Women with Red, Painful Lesions.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis
- Caused by Bacterial Infection (Klebsiella, E. coli).
- Pus-Filled Lesions.
Mnemonic: "C.F.P.G." (Conglobata, Fulminans, Pyoderma,
Gram-Negative)
4. Occupational Acne
Caused by Exposure to Chemicals (Oils, Tar,
Chlorinated Phenols, DDT).
Common in Mechanics, Factory Workers.
- Mnemonic: "O.C.C." (Occupational, Chemicals, Coal &
Tar Exposure)
5. Drug-Induced Acne
- Caused by Steroids, Oral Contraceptives, Antiepileptics.
- Sudden Outbreak of Pustules (No Comedones).
- Mnemonic: "S.O.A." (Steroids, OCPs, Antiepileptics)
6. Cosmetic Acne (Acne Cosmetica)
- Due to Oily Cosmetics & Moisturizers.
- Mild, Persistent Acne on Face.
- Mnemonic: "M.O." (Makeup, Oils)
SYMPTOMS OF ACNE
- Comedones (Blackheads & Whiteheads).
- Papules (Red, Inflamed Bumps).
- Pustules (Pus-Filled Lesions).
- Nodules (Deep, Painful Lumps).
- Cysts (Large, Fluid-Filled Lumps, Cause Scars).
- Mnemonic: "C.P.P.N.C." (Comedones, Papules, Pustules, Nodules, Cysts)
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF ACNE
- Folliculitis (Bacterial Hair Follicle Infection – No Comedones).
- Rosacea (Redness & Telangiectasia – No Comedones).
- Drug-Induced Acne (Sudden Onset, No Blackheads).
- Mnemonic: "F.R.D." (Folliculitis, Rosacea, Drug-Induced)
TREATMENT OF ACNE
1. LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS
- Wash Face Twice Daily (Mild Cleanser).
- Avoid Oily Cosmetics & Junk Food.
- Drink Water & Eat Fresh Fruits & Vegetables.
- Mnemonic: "W.A.D." (Wash, Avoid Oil, Drink Water)
2. TOPICAL TREATMENT
- Benzoyl Peroxide (Kills Bacteria).
- Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene – Prevent Comedones).
- Antibiotics (Clindamycin, Erythromycin – Reduce Inflammation).
- Azelaic Acid (For Mild Acne & Skin Brightening).
- Mnemonic: "B.R.A.A." (Benzoyl, Retinoids, Antibiotics,
Azelaic Acid)
3. SYSTEMIC TREATMENT
- Oral Antibiotics (Doxycycline, Minocycline – Moderate to Severe Acne).
- Isotretinoin (Severe Acne – Vitamin A Derivative).
- Anti-Androgens (OCPs, Spironolactone – For Hormonal Acne).
- Mnemonic: "A.I.A." (Antibiotics, Isotretinoin, Anti-Androgens)
COMPLICATIONS OF ACNE
- Scarring (Atrophic or Keloid).
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (Dark Spots After Healing).
- Psychological Stress (Depression, Low Self-Esteem).
- Mnemonic: "S.H.P." (Scars, Hyperpigmentation, Psychological Stress)
HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF ACNE
1. For Oily, Red, Inflamed Acne:
- Belladonna, Sulphur, Hepar Sulph, Arsenicum Album.
2. For Pustular Acne:
- Silicea, Merc Sol, Kali Bich, Pulsatilla.
3. For Hormonal Acne (PCOS,
Women):
- Thuja, Sepia, Nat Mur, Graphites.
4. For Acne with Scarring:
- Fluoric Acid, Carbo Veg, Silicea, Calc Sulph.
- Mnemonic: "B.S.H.A." (Belladonna, Sulphur, Hepar, Arsenicum for Red Acne)
FINAL REVISION WITH MNEMONICS
- Definition = "A.C.N.E. = Androgens Cause Nasty Eruptions"
- Causes = "H.S.B.B.I." (Hormones, Sebum, Bacteria, Blockage, Inflammation)
- Types = "C.I.C.O.D." (Common, Infantile, Conglobata, Occupational, Drug-Induced)
- Symptoms = "C.P.P.N.C." (Comedones, Papules, Pustules, Nodules, Cysts)
- Treatment = "W.A.D." (Wash, Avoid Oil, Drink Water) & "B.R.A.A." (Benzoyl, Retinoids, Antibiotics, Azelaic Acid)
- Systemic Treatment = "A.I.A." (Antibiotics, Isotretinoin, Anti-Androgens)
- Complications = "S.H.P." (Scars, Hyperpigmentation, Psychological Stress)
- Homeopathy = "B.S.H.A." (Belladonna, Sulphur, Hepar, Arsenicum for Red Acne)
