ACNE VULGARIS
DEFINITION
– Acne vulgaris is a Chronic inflammatory disease of sebaceous glands.
• Etiology
√ common between 9- 17 years
√ Males are commanly affected
√ Chances during puberty
√ Poor health and skin hygiene
√ Lack of fitness and exercise
√ Diet containing creams , butter, sugar , alcohol.
√ Sweating
√ Endocranial abnormalities
√ Bacterial infection
√ Heriditary
√ Dark complexion skin
• Clinical features
(1) comedones ( blackheads on surface of skin )
(2) White worm like sebaceous material can be squeezed out of the comedones.
(3) Papules
√ Reddened
√ Itching
√ discomfort
√ tenderness
(4) Pustules
– Yellow raised areas with comedones on the edges .
– It is surrounded by reddish purple areas .
(5) Cysts
– Purple coloured area
– Pain
(6)Scar and keloid formation
(7)commanly seen over face, upper chest and back.
• Management
(A) Topical treatment
– Sulfer based ointment
– Salicylic acid based ointments
– Vitamin A acid gel
– Benzoyl peroxide gel
(B) Systemic treatment
– Antibiotics
– Estrogen therapy
(C) Physiotherapy management
1) UVR
√ Type : high pressure air cooled mercury vapour burner.
√ position : modified sitting position
√ spectrum : 190- 390 nm
√ Distance from skin : 45 cm
– UVR is used for 2 purposes
(a) For improving skin health ;
✓ First degree erythema (E1) dose is given
✓ 2-3 times a week for 4 weeks.
✓ It improves arterial blood circulation , provide nutrition , oxygen and extra amino acids for skin synthesis.
(b) For promoting skin peeling
✓ second and third degree erythema is used ( E2 – E3 dose )
✓ E3 dose is usually given over chest – trunk.
✓ E2 dose is given over upper back , face.
✓ This causes opening of pilosebaceous ducts using discharge of infected material
(c) To improve fitness and health
✓ Take part in outdoor activities
✓ Jogging , aerobic exercise
✓ Take a shower to remove the sweat from body
✓ Wash the affected areas with saline or soap 2-3 times per day
✓ Proper diet and nutrition
✓ psychological support
✓ Motivation and moral support.
