The Four Types of Severe Acne
The most severe forms of acne include the following four types; acne conglobata, acne fulminans, gram negative folliculitis, and nodulocystic acne. The treatment methods used for controlling the different types will depend on the cause of the acne, as well as the severity of the condition itself.
Acne Conglobata
Acne conglobata is a chronic condition that may cause severe skin damage, scarring, abscesses, and painful inflammation. This severe type of acne vulgaris, which is the medical term used to describe acne, causes inflamed nodules to form around blackheads, gradually getting larger until they become filled with pus. Ulcers may then form underneath the nodules, causing scarring and ulcerations.
Men are more likely to have this type of acne than women, which usually appears between the ages of 18 and 30, and the exact causes are not yet fully known. Treatment involves prescribed antibiotics, and the systemic medication isotretinoin.
Acne Fulminans
This form of severe acne often appears suddenly, usually along with other types of the condition, and causes symptoms such as ulcerations, fever, and inflammation of the joints. To reduce pain and inflammation, either non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs, or corticosteroids are given, as well as treatment with isotretinoin.
Gram Negative Folliculitis
An inflammation of follicles that's brought on by a bacterial infection, usually due to long-term acne treatment using antibiotics, is known as gram negative folliculitis. Named after the bacteria that is present, this form of severe acne is also treated with isotretinoin.
Nodulocystic Acne
Nodulocystic acne is characterized by painful cyst-like nodules that may be as large as a few inches in diameter. These cysts may appear singularly on the face, or may appear in clusters on other areas of the body such as the back, chest, shoulders, neck, and scalp. Smaller cysts may be treated with both isotretinoin and antibiotics, but larger areas will usually require drainage and excision.
Methods of Treating Severe Acne
The following methods of treating the different types of severe acne should always be performed by a trained health care professional, such as a dermatologist.
Chemical peels: For some types of severe acne, chemical peels using agents such as glycolic acid are applied to the affected area for treatment. This method is useful for removing blackheads and for decreasing the appearance of red bumps.
Phototherapy: Phototherapy, using laser and light treatments, are one way of treating some cases of severe acne. This method is mostly used for those that have acne due to clogged hair follicles, although its long-term effectiveness has yet to be determined. A dermatologist will be able to ascertain if phototherapy would be a successful form of treatment.
Surgical Extraction: Larger cysts and comedones, which are acne lesions, may not be treatable with medication and will instead require surgical drainage and extraction. Comedo extraction, the removal of whiteheads, blackheads, or acne cysts, is performed under sterile conditions to lessen the chances of infection or scarring.
Anyone suffering from severe forms of acne should be evaluated by their doctor or dermatologist to ensure they are receiving the correct treatment. Dealing with severe acne is an ongoing battle, with some disfiguring forms requiring many years of ongoing care, so it's important to have the right type of treatment from a professional to control this condition.
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