Acne conglobata is one of the most severe kinds of acne, causing large, painful, pus-filled cysts deep in the skin. This condition needs to be treated aggressively by a dermatologist, usually with a combination of medications, such as isotretinoin (Accutane).
When you hear the word “acne” you typically think of common acne, or acne vulgaris, which is characterized by blocked pores, pustules, and papules—but there are more severe forms of acne, such as acne conglobata. Acne conglobata is uncommon and extremely painful and disfiguring; you need a dermatologist to formulate an acne conglobata treatment regimen in order to keep the symptoms under control.
What is Acne Conglobata?
Acne conglobata is characterized by:
- Burrowing, interconnecting, abscessed lesions.
- The comedones (blocked pores) occur in groups of two or three, forming cysts that contain a seropurulent matter (pus) that smells foul and keeps returning after drainage.
- The lesions eventually form irregular, disfiguring scars. Sometimes acne conglobata occurs when acne vulgaris pustules and papules deteriorate due to a lack of medical attention, but usually it is a hereditary condition or an autoimmune response.
Who Gets Acne Conglobata?
The typical acne conglobata sufferer is male; the lesions appear late in adolescence and young adulthood (between the ages of 18 and 30), and usually occur on the face, shoulders, back, chest, and buttocks. The lesions are very pronounced and painful, causing psychological as well as physical problems due to the tendency by society to ostracize those with severe acne. Acne conglobata treatment needs to be initiated as soon as possible to prevent worsening and to reduce the inevitable disfiguring scars.
Acne Conglobata Treatment
If you develop acne conglobata symptoms, do not try to treat yourself. This is a serious medical condition that can cause major scarring, and it will not go away by itself. Do not try to express the cysts yourself, or you risk further damaging the skin and worsening the infection and inflammation. Acne conglobata treatment will help reduce the symptoms and prevent lesions from recurring, but many people continue having problems for many years, with the condition going dormant for periods of time and then “flaring up” suddenly.
Acne conglobata requires aggressive treatment by a dermatologist. Usually, acne conglobata treatment is multi-faceted, involving oral and/or topical antibiotics, isotretinoin (Accutane), steroids, and even types of laser therapy for lesions that are unresponsive to other treatments. The preferred therapy is an ongoing dose of isotretinoin (Accutane) at a dosage of 0.5-1 mg per kilogram of body weight for four to six months.
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a chemical compound derived from vitamin A; it is widely used as an acne conglobata treatment as well as for acne vulgaris and as a wrinkle reducer. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is taken orally, in capsule form, helps to dry out the skin and speed the healing process. Some people experience a temporary worsening of their acne conglobata at the beginning of treatment with isotretinoin (Accutane), but this usually disappears after a few weeks of use.
Acne conglobata is a disfiguring, uncommon type of acne that generally strikes young men. Acne conglobata treatment needs to be directed by a dermatologist, who will use several types of therapy, including isotretinoin (Accutane).
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