Madalene C Y Heng
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
Title: Acne and rosacea: Update on pathophysiology and treatment
Biography
Biography: Madalene C Y Heng
Abstract
Understanding the pathophysiology of acne and rosacea is the basis not only for successful treatment but also for prevention of recurrent disease. Acneiform lesions are due to blocked follicles (follicular plugging). This results in failure of drainage of sebum to the skin surface and promotes accumulation of bacteria (P. acnes) and yeasts (Pityosporum ovale). The resultant neutrophilic chemotaxis promotes the formation of microabscess, cysts and scarring. The follicular plugging is also aggravated by sebaceous hyperplasia. In rosacea, cytokine-induced photosensitivity predominates with accompanying sebaceous hyperplasia aggravating follicular plugging and pustule formation. Successful treatment of both diseases includes a regimen aimed at unplugging the plugged follicles, control of pustule and abscess formation and resolution of acneiform scarring and shrinkage of sebaceous hyperplasia.
Understanding the pathophysiology of acne and rosacea is the basis not only for successful treatment but also for prevention of recurrent disease. Acneiform lesions are due to blocked follicles (follicular plugging). This results in failure of drainage of sebum to the skin surface and promotes accumulation of bacteria (P. acnes) and yeasts (Pityosporum ovale). The resultant neutrophilic chemotaxis promotes the formation of microabscess, cysts and scarring. The follicular plugging is also aggravated by sebaceous hyperplasia. In rosacea, cytokine-induced photosensitivity predominates with accompanying sebaceous hyperplasia aggravating follicular plugging and pustule formation. Successful treatment of both diseases includes a regimen aimed at unplugging the plugged follicles, control of pustule and abscess formation and resolution of acneiform scarring and shrinkage of sebaceous hyperplasia.