5 Things You Need to Know About Acne Conglobata

1. The Many Faces of Acne

We have all had that pimple on the end of our nose before a big date back in high school, but severe acne, or acne vulgaris, is a serious skin condition that can affect people from their teens and into their 20s and 30s. There are four types of severe acne: acne fulminans (inflamed and ulcerating acne marked by fever and aching joints), gram negative folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles caused by a bacterial infection), nodulocystic acne (a type of acne characterized by the appearance of cysts), and acne conglobata, an uncommon type of acne vulgaris that will be further discussed.

2. More Than Just Your Average Pimple

Acne conglobata is far more than the appearance of a few pimples or blackheads. This form of acne is marked by deep abscesses that can often interconnect and leave scars. This acne can leak a foul-smelling pus from inflamed nodules that returns even after draining. Outbreaks can appear on the face as well as parts of the body, mostly on the chest, back, shoulders and buttocks. The widespread appearance of blackheads also accompanies nodules and abscesses. Acne conglobata is seen most commonly in males between the ages of 18 and 30.

3. Why Acne Might Go Rampant

The exact cause of acne conglobata is not known. It does appear to affect some people who have other severe acne types that are left untreated, or when the physiology of that type of acne changes for reasons not understood. Exposure to toxic gases like halogens or dioxins or the ingestion of thyroid medication and even anabolic steroids can trigger acne conglobata in some people. There has been a link made between acne conglobata and people who suffer from hidradenitis suppurativa, an inflammatory skin disease also characterized by pus-leaking boils and abscesses.

4. Acne Conglobata Can Leave Its Mark

Acne conglobata can leave both physical and psychological scars. The deep abscesses can often leave irregular scarring, which can in severe enough cases be disfiguring. The condition can in a few cases lead to a type of gangrene, and even aseptic arthritis. Stress, anxiety, depression and social embarrassment over the condition are the most common psychological issues related to acne conglobata.

5. A Long Tough Battle

Treatment for acne conglobata, due to its tendency to flare-up after periods of dormancy over a number of years, is long-standing. It is most commonly treated with isotretinoin, or retinoic acid (a derivative of vitamin A and sold under the brand name Accutane), a strong acne medication, over a period of about five months. More than one five-month course may be needed if the condition presents itself again. Oral antibiotics and oral steroids may also be used. Topical treatments do not seem to work well against acne conglobata. Cosmetic surgery is an option to address scarring.