One of the type of acne that a person can develop is called Acne Conglobata. This is a type of acne that can be very severe in nature. It can result in abscess areas filling with pus, nodules, comedones, and even drainage through the sinus tract. This type of acne is more common in males than females. It typically affects individuals between the ages of 18 and 30.

Acne Conglobata is one of the most severe and rarest forms of acne vulgaris. Aside from the usual symptoms or manifestations of the common acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads, this type of the common skin disease is also characterized by the presence of pus-filled lesions that eventually cause deep scarring. This form of acne is a serious skin disease that should be checked by a specialist and, most often, requires aggressive treatment to prevent it from getting worse. Aside from causing discomfort, the disease is known to be painful, especially when the lesions rupture.

Symptoms

The acne lesions (comedones) of this usually occur on the face, neck, chest, upper arms and buttocks. They often occur in clumps of 2 or 3. Inflamed nodules form around these clumps of comedones. A nodule is an inflamed lesion of more than 5mm across. They get bigger until they finally break down and discharge foul-smelling pus that returns once the nodule has drained. Deep ulcers may form under these nodules and may track under the skin to join up with others. Abcesses can leave deep, irregularly shaped scars.

The face, chest, buttocks, and back are the most common areas that are affected by this acne. Because it is highly inflammatory, this skin ailment can lead to keloidal scarring and ultimately disfigurement in the most extreme cases. It often starts under the skin; hence, its scars often appear like interconnected burrows. This type of acne often discriminates against males. Young men between the ages of 18 and 30 are the usual sufferers of this form of acne, although its symptoms can remain visible even when the sufferer has reached the age of 40.

Acne Conglobata is typically found on the face, but it can be anywhere on the body.  The areas that are affected become very large due to the amount of fluid in them. They can grow in size until they finally break open and that fluid drains. However, they will immediately start to fill up again. The lesions can last for a very long time, and form deep scars.

Causes of Acne Conglobata

The exact cause of acne conglobata remains unknown. However, some experts suggest that the disease is often preceded by more common acne manifestations such cyst, pimples, and blisters. Like a dormant volcano that suddenly erupts, this skin disease may also originate from acne that has not shown any symptoms in the past several years. This serious version of acne is often associated with an increase in testosterone levels, anabolic steroid abuse, and any other condition that causes the body to produce more androgens.

Once a person has been affected by it, it can be very persistent and hard to treat. A milder form of acne can often trigger it. What actually causes this type of acne though really isn’t know. It is believed that it has to do with changes in the level of male hormone called Testosterone.

While one cause of it is the use of anabolic steroids, most individuals with Acne Conglobata have never used any forms of asteroids. There are times when males are given prescription steroids for reducing an enlarged prostate. There can also be this type of acne associated with various forms of Testosterone therapy.

Treatments

It is important to seek treatment for this type of acne, as it will continue to get worse if left alone. The risk of a serious infection is high too due to the amount of liquid that can be created in the acne nodules. Many people with this particular type of acne have very low self esteem. Depression can occur due to a lack of feeling comfortable in social situations.

Many treatments have been tried to stop this dermatologic problem. Several antibiotics are known to have some positive effects against the disease, although their administration often requires supervision of a medical practitioner. Tetracycline and erythromycin are the most common antibiotics used to treat the disease, with dapsone as a stronger option when the problem becomes treatment resistant.

Isotretinoin is the most popular treatment option. Isotretinoin, a retinoid, is an anti-cancer drug that’s also proven effective against severe skin diseases. Administration of isotretinoin can sometimes be a bitter pill to swallow for suffers because of its well-known, and sometimes permanent, side effects such as hair loss and bone disease. There are other alternative treatments for this severe type of acne, including carbon dioxide laser and radiation.

It works by reducing the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands and because of this, Accutane has many side effects. These include dry and cracked lips, dry skin, a dry nose and mouth and mild to moderate aches in the joints or muscles.

Due to the high levels of bacteria found with this disease, many patients also need the assistance of various types of antibiotics. Both Erythromycin and Tetracycline are common ones given. Laser therapy is also a method of helping to remove this acne as well as to reduce scars.