Severe Acne

Severe Acne

There are at least four types of acne that are recognized by

many dermatologists and others in the medical field as

severe regarding both the type of lesions that it produces on

the body and long term effects it can have for the sufferer

including scarring. This extreme acne affects more than just

the body; it can affect every aspect of a person’s life. The

pain and heartache of dealing with these potentially

disfiguring forms of acne cannot be overemphasized but this

does not take into account the emotional and psychological

aspects that can lower quality of life and permanently destroy

self-esteem.

 Acne conglobata

Acne Conglobata is the most severe form of acne vulgaris.

This form of extreme acne, generally characterized by the

appearance of large and numerous nodules, often

interconnected, along with widespread blackheads. Because

theses lesions can become ulcerated, they can cause

severe, irrevocable damage--even disfiguring scarring--to the

skin. Acne conglobata is commonly found on the face, chest,

back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs.

The age of onset for acne conglobata is usually between 18

and 30 years of age and it is more likely for males to get the

condition than it is for females. It should also be noted that

acne conglobata can stay active for many years, lying

dormant until something causes it to resurface. As is true with

all types of acne, the cause of acne conglobata is not known.

  Acne fulminans 

This type of severe acne is actually an abrupt onset of acne

conglobata that typically afflicts young men. The symptoms of

the severe nodulocystic, often ulcerating acne, are readily

apparent. As with normal cases of acne conglobata the

lesions cover large portions of the extremities and the facial

region, including the disfiguring scars that can eventually

develop. Yet what makes acne fulminans unique in that it

also includes fever symptoms, aching of the joints,

particularly the knees and hips, and varying degrees of

weight loss that depend upon the individual.

  Gram-negative folliculitis 

Gram-negative folliculitis is a form of extreme acne caused

by an inflammation of the follicles that is caused by bacterial

infection: This condition is characterized by pustules and

cysts. It has been determined in some cases of the disorder

that its development is caused by a complication resulting

from a long-term antibiotic treatment of acne vulgaris.

The reason that this form of acne is called “gram-negative”

relates to the fact that gram is a type of blue stain used for

laboratory testing for microscopic organism. Bacteria that do

not stain blue are referred to as “gram-negative.”

Like other forms of extreme or severe acne, gram-negative

folliculitis is a rare condition, and we do not know whether it is

more common in males or females as it has been

documented in both.

  Pyoderma Faciale 

This type of severe acne affects only females, usually

between the ages of 20 to 40 years of age. It is characterized

by large painful nodules, pustules and sores that may leave

scarring. Forming abruptly, pyoderma faciale may occur on

the skin of a woman who has never had acne before.

Generally, this type of extreme acne is confined to the face,

and though it usually does not last longer than a year, it can

cause a great deal of damage in a very short time.