Severe Acne is a serious problem that you should take care of immediately

Manifestations of severe acne include deep cysts, scarring, inflammation and serious damage to the skin. Severe acne can be categorized into four main types. These include: acne conglobata, acne fulminans, gram negative follicutis and nodulocystic acne. The symptoms range from scarring and inflammation to thinning hair and aches felt in some parts of the body. The first type of severe acne can be cured by antibiotics, but more effectively by Isotretinoin. Acne fulminans can be addressed by the use of non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Scarring, deep abscesses and inflammation characterize acne conglobata. With this type of severe acne, nodules may sprout and grow until they start to discharge pus. Deep ulcers may also form under the nodules, resulting in scars. Males are more susceptible than females to acne conglobata, which usually appears between the ages of 18 and 30. Although antibiotics may be used to treat this type of acne, Isotretinoin is usually the preferred treatment method. Isotretinoin comes in pill form and is a synthetic retinoid. It is usually taken once or twice a day for four to five months. It can however lead to some side effects such as thinning hair, severe headaches, bone and joint pain and nausea.

Acne conglobata may require several courses of treatment over many years and the patient should continue to have regular checkups with a dermatologist even after it is effectively treated because acne conglobata has been known to recur.

Acne fulminans meantime is characterized by fever, aches in the joints particularly the hips and knees and a sudden onset of inflammation. It sometimes occurs after unsuccessful treatment of acne conglobata. Corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines can be given to ease the inflammation.

Nodulocystic acne is characterized by cysts that are usually several centimeters in diameter. Sometimes painful, they can appear on the scalp, face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. However, these are not true cysts but nodules of inflammation that are usually caused by acne lesions. It can also lead to acne conglobata. Cysts that seem to be contain pus can be drained by a doctor but never at home by oneself. The cysts can also be “melted” with intralesional corticosteroids.
Lastly, gram-negative folliculitis is an inflammation of follicles that is caused by bacterial infections. This can arise from long-term antibiotic treatments. Because bacteria maybe resistant to many types of antibiotics, Isotretinoin is usually used as a treatment method.