Acne conglobata is a severe and chronic form of common acne characterized by the formation of groups of two to three lesions that can appear on the face, upper arms, chest, shoulders, back, thighs and/or buttocks. These lesion areas then develop inflammatory nodules that slowly increase in size and burst, releasing pus and possibly leading to scarring. Men between 18 and 30 are more likely to suffer from acne conglobata than women. Treatment involves medication to reduce the skin's oil production. Frequent visits to the dermatologist may be required to control this rare form of acne.
Step 1
Visit a dermatologist to get a prescription for Isotretinoin. The best treatment, according to AcneNet, an online acne information service from the American Academy of Dermatology, involves the prescription medication Isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A that's better known by its brand name of Accutane.
Step 2
Take Accutane for the prescribed amount of time. Depending on your particular case, your dermatologist will advise you to take two Accutane capsules -- each being one of the available 10, 20 or 40 mg strengths -- on a daily basis for 15 to 20 weeks. It is important to take the capsules with meals to ensure absorption.
Step 3
Stop taking the medication when you see a significant improvement. RxList.com notes that the medication continues to work for a while after it is discontinued, and advises that if the lesions have been reduced by 70 percent prior to finishing the prescribed course of treatment, the medication may be stopped after consulting with your dermatologist.
Tips and Warnings
- Depending on your case, a dermatologist may also prescribe prednisone, a steroid, and/or the antibiotics erythromycin or tetracycline that can be used in combination with Accutane.
- This is a severe and potentially disfiguring form of acne, so don't attempt to treat acne conglobata without the help of a dermatologist. Accutane should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women who plan on getting pregnant, as it can cause severe birth defects.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription for Accutane
Member Comments