Acne Fulminans is a severe form of acne that causes the rapid development of joint inflammation, fever and ulcers or open acne lesions to occur. It is even common in some cases for individuals with Acne fulminans to also develop blisters, abnormal bone changes in bone structure or bone inflammation. Treatment and management usually consists of the use of several oral medications.
Causes of Acne Fulminans
Acne Fulminans usually occurs in individuals who already have some sort of inflammatory acne and is most common in young men. Individuals who use testosterone supplements may be more likely to suffer from this type of acne as well.
Acne Fulminans Treatment Options
Treating Acne Fulminans can be very difficult and as a result individuals may receive a number of medications including dapsone, oral steroids, isotretinoin, oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories such as Aspirin. In some cases symptoms may recede and recur. If this happens contact your doctor or dermatologist. They may recommend an increased or extended use of isotretinoin.
What is Acne Conglobata?
Acne Conglobata is a rare but very serious form of acne vulgaris that is most commonly found in men between the ages of 18-30. Individuals who suffer from this form of acne will suffer from many large and interconnected lesions that sometimes spread to different parts of the body such as across the face, back, upper arms, neck, chest, and buttocks. This form of acne usually leads to scarring and in more severe cases can even be disfiguring. Treatment for this type of acne is best supervised and guided by a dermatologist and management often includes the use of the medication Isotretinoin.
Causes of Acne Conglobata
The primary causes of Acne Conglobata remain unknown. Although there have been some things that have been recognized to trigger outbreaks in patients. Toxic gases such as dioxins, halogens, or anabolic steroids can induce severe acne in susceptible individuals. Individuals who take testosterone and then stop a course of the testosterone are also more likely to trigger Acne Conglobata. This form of acne can also develop as a result of deterioration in an existing pustular acne or its possible that it may arise from a previous acne problem which has laid dormant for years.
Acne Conglobata Treatment Options
Treatment that is most commonly used to treat Acne Conglobata requires the use of the medication Isotretinoin. This type of medication is a derivative of Vitamin A and is made under the brand name Accutane. Doctors will only usually prescribe it for anyone who is suffering from severe nodular acne that has not responded to previous treatment. A pill is taken orally for a course of 15-20 weeks and a single course has often shown to completely clear acne and give long term remission to many individuals. The medication also works by reducing the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands. It is because of this that Accutane has many side effects. These include but are not limited to dryness or cracking of the lips, dry skin, dry nose and mouth, mild to moderate pains and aches in the muscles and or joints. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not take Accutane as one of the more serious side effects is miscarriage or deformities.
