Nobody can deny that acne vulgaris is a common skin problem, especially among teenagers. However, sometimes young people develop one of the four types of severe acne: acne conglobata, acne fulminans, nodulocystic acne, and gram negative folliculitis. These forms of acne require special attention by a medical professional.

Every one of these forms of acne can lead to extensive or severe scarring. In order to keep them from developing into scars, it is necessary to treat them adequately and in due time.

Characteristics of Severe Acne

First, let's take a look at each one of these types of acne and find out their main characteristics.

Acne Conglobata

This type of acne is a continuous form of acne vulgaris. It is mostly characterized by deep abscesses, severe skin damage, inflammation, and scarring. There may also be noticeable and widespread blackheads.

Men are more susceptible to this type of acne. There are times when this type of acne can appear in acne that has been dormant for many years.

Acne Fulminans

Acne fulminans is a sudden onset of destructive inflammation that can also present itself with the appearance of severe acne, fever, and aching joints. When someone has this type of acne it is usually because they have had an unsuccessful treatment of another form of acne.

Nodulocystic Acne & Cystic Acne

This type of acne can present itself with generalized or isolated acne cysts. These masses aren't actually cysts, instead they are the expansion of the skin's normal structure. In fact, they are more commonly referred to as nodules.

Gram Negative Folliculitis

This type of acne is caused by a bacterial infection that leads to the inflammation of the follicles and is usually caused by long-term antibiotic treatment.

How to Treat Severe Acne

These forms of acne are commonly treated using isotrentinoin. Usually, antibiotics can be prescribed in conjunction with isotrentinoin. Even so, you will probably need to undergo a long term treatment to keep these types of acne under control. Here are some more specific treatment options for each type of acne.

Acne Conglobata

Isotrentinoin and antibiotics are usually enough to keep acne conglobata under control. Long term care is the best way to keep it from recurring.

Acne Fulminans

Steroids can be used to reduce inflammation, but long term use of isotretinoin may be necessary to control this type of acne.

Nodulocystic Acne

In order to help melt the nodule most cystic acne treatments may include the injection of intralesional steroids.

Gram Negative Folliculitis

Isotretinoin isn't the only way of treating this condition, in fact, gram negative bacteria can also be used.