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Severe forms of acne affect few people. However, they present great hardship to the
people who suffer. They are extremely disfiguring and can cause psychological effects on the
sufferer.
Acne
conglobata
Acne conglobata is a chronic and severe form of acne vulgaris (common acne).
It is usually characterized by deep abscesses, severe inflammation, severe damage to the
skin, scarring, blackheads are usually conspicuous and widespread. It often appears
on the face, chest, back, thighs, upper arms and buttocks. It usually affects those
whose age is between 18-30 years old.
In acne conglobata, inflammatory nodules form around multiple
comedones, gradually increasing in size until they break down and discharge pus.
Deep ulcers may form under the nodules, leading to keloid-type scars, and crusts
may form over deeply ulcerated nodules.
Acne conglobata may be preceded by acne cyst, papules or pustules
that do not heal, but instead rapidly deteriorate. Occasionally, acne conglobata flares up
in acne that had been dormant for many years.
Acne fulminans
Acne fulminans is a sudden onset of highly destructive inflammation, which normally
afflicts young men. Symptoms of severe nodulocystic, often ulcerating acne, aching
joints and fever are apparent. It may result from unsuccessful treatment of acne
conglobata. It does not respond well to antibiotics, so accutane and oral steroids
are normally prescribed. Corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
medications may be given to reduce inflammation. Attacks of acne fulminans may recur,
and the patient may develop acne that requires long-term treatment with isotretinoin.
Gram-negative
folliculitis
Gram-negative folliculitisis is a complication of abusive and long-term use of
antibiotics. Patients with this type of acne are usually treated with
accutane since it is known to be effective against gram-negative bacteria.
The word “Gram” refers to a blue stain used in laboratories to
detect microscopic organisms. Certain bacteria do not stain blue and are
called “Gram negative.”
Pyoderma faciale
Pyoderma faciale is the type of acne that affects females mainly belonging to the 20-40 age
groups. It is confined to the face, appears suddenly as both deep and superficial cystic
lesions of the face with interconnecting "tunnels" between cysts, reddish
inflammation of the skin, and slight swelling (edema) of the skin, rarely persists
more than a year or so, and is not associated with oily skin.
Severe types of acne cannot be remedied at home. Go and see your
doctor or dermatologist before your condition worsens. Remember that beautiful skin
reflects satisfactory health.
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