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Very Severe Acne
Very severe acne such as Acne Conglobata, Acne Fulminans and Pyoderma Faciale are rare.
1) Acne Conglobata
A severe variant of acne, acne conglobata is an uncommon disorder characterized by the presence of nodulocystic lesions. This disorder typically begins in adulthood and presents numerous comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and abscesses. These lesions frequently become secondarily infected with gram-positive bacteria and often heal with scarring. Acne conglobata often produces pronounced disfigurement and is socially detrimental to people because of its long duration, severity, and treatment challenge. Acne conglobata affects most parts of the face including the scalp and much of the trunk.
2) Acne Fulminans
An uncommon variant of acne in young men, with an acute onset characterized by *systemic symptoms:
- Fever
- Arthralgia - joint pain
- *Musculoskeletal symptoms are common
- Malaise - the feeling of discomfort, uneasiness, tiredness, lack of drive, a vague sense of mental or physical ill being
- Leucocytosis - increase in total white blood cell count
- Erythema nodosum - tender, red nodules or sores on the shins and legs
People with suspected acne fulminans need to see a dermatologist without delay.
3) Pyoderma Faciale
Characteristics:
- Category - female predominance
- Onset later than teenage acne vulgaris, generally at 19 to 40 years of age
- Rapid onset and progression
- Facial involvement with sparing of the back and chest
- Cysts, swelling, and purulent drainage with a lack of comedones
- *Paucity of systemic complaints
Glossary For This Page
*Systemic
Pronounced - sis-TEH-mik
Affecting the whole body.
*Musculoskeletal
The soft tissue and bones in the body. The parts of the musculoskeletal system are bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, nerves and blood vessels.
*Paucity
Smallness or lower in number or quantity.