A teen is diagnosed with acne vulgaris. The patient has erythematous pustular lesions. Which nursing teaching is appropriate when teaching about face washing.
Explanation & Rationale
A. Educate about gentle cleansing with non-fragrance products: Gentle cleansing helps remove excess sebum, bacteria, and debris without irritating the skin. Non-fragranced products reduce the risk of further inflammation, which is important in erythematous pustular acne where the skin barrier is already compromised. B. Encourage vigorous scrubbing to remove lesions fully: Vigorous scrubbing can damage the skin barrier and worsen inflammation, leading to increased redness, irritation, and potential scarring. Acne lesions are not removed by force and trauma may exacerbate the condition. C. Tell the patient that the only effective treatment is topical antibiotics: Acne management is multifactorial and may include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, hormonal therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Limiting education to antibiotics overlooks other effective therapies and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. D. Encourage over-the-counter steroid creams for immediate clearing: Topical steroids can worsen acne by causing follicular occlusion and increasing sebum production. Their use may initially reduce redness but often leads to rebound flaring and worsening of acne lesions.