Severe Acne Vulgaris
Acne is more properly referred as Acne Vulgaris.
This affects 60 to 70 percent of the population in America alone.
Severe acne vulgaris is a condition that is characterized by open and closed nodules, cysts, pustules and papules that develop on the face, chest, back, neck or shoulders.
Any person suffering from severe cases of acne should have regular check-ups with a dermatologist.
Treatment of acne, especially for recurring acne, may last for years depending on its severity. It can be helpful to keep yourself informed and live a healthy lifestyle to avoid acquiring severe acne. Prevention may include smoking cessation, staying away from extreme heat and avoiding caffeinated drinks, among many lifestyle changes.
Severe Acne Vulgaris
Severe Acne Vulgaris Symptoms
Common Physical Symptoms of Severe Acne Vulgaris
1. Nodules - The nodules that severe acne vulgaris brings can be painful and much larger than regular pimples. They will appear to be large bumps on the skin’s surface. They can last for weeks, months or years depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment being applied. If not given attention, they can get worse and develop into cysts.
2. Cysts – Cysts look similar to nodules but are pus-filled. They are usually 5 millimeters in diameter and can be very painful. If you have this kind of acne, make sure that you do not squeeze the cyst because it can result in infection or painful inflammation. Worse yet, the cyst may last longer than it normally would.
3. Papules – A solid bump on the skin with no visible fluid of varying sizes and shapes. They can be purple, brown, red or pink in color. It may crack or become crusty when scratched.
4. Pustules – Red lesions that usually have pus inside it. They are relatively small compared to nodules.
Severe Forms of Acne – Severe Acne Vulgaris
1. Acne Conglobata – This type of acne is characterized by inflammation, deep abscesses, scarring and blackheads that are often widespread. A person suffering from Acne Conglobata may have nodules that gradually grow larger until they burst and discharge pus. This may cause severe, irreparable damage to the skin. The cause of this type of acne is still unknown. Males who are 18 to 30 years old are most likely suffer from this acne, although it is also present in some females. This type of severe acne condition is usually treated with isotretinoin as well as antibiotics. If it does not resolve, further treatment may be necessary.
2. Acne Fulminans – This type of severe acne vulgaris is hinted by a very destructive inflammation that occurs on the face. The person may experience fever, aching of the hips, knees and joints. Sufferers are usually young men. This acne cannot be cured immediately by antibiotics, or it may not even respond to antibiotics at all. Scarring is common with this type of acne. It can be treated with non-steroidal medications or Corticosteroids in order to reduce inflammation. If you have suffered from this type of acne, there is a very chance that it may recur. Consistent recurrence of this type of acne may require long-term isotretinoin treatment.
3. Pyoderma Faciale – Also known as Rosacea Fulminans, this severe acne occurs only on the faces of females between ages 20 and 40. It is characterized by pustules, sores and nodules that scar after they heal. It may abruptly occur on a woman who has never had acne before and lasts from a few months to a year. It can ruin the face and leave severe scars within a very short time. Treatment may include Isotretinoin and Corticosteroids.
4. Gram-Negative Folliculitis – This bacterial acne infection causes cysts and pustules to appear on men and women. It is considered a rare condition that can also be treated with Isotretinoin.
5. Nodulocystic Acne – Characterized by the occurrence of cysts, this severe form of acne may occur in men and women alike. The cysts can be widespread or there may only be one large cyst on the face or other acne-prone areas such as the scalp, neck, back, chest and shoulders. This type of acne can be treated with a combination of antibiotics and Isotretinoin. Corticosteroids are also recommended because they can help reduce the cyst and quicken healing. In some cases, cysts may not respond to any medication, in which case they will have to be surgically removed.
Depending on the type of acne that you have, there are different medications and creams that can alleviate the condition, if not totally eliminate it. If creams do not work for you, a dermatologist can prescribe medication to take in order to get rid of the acne. If you are experiencing a case of severe acne vulgaris, you have to visit a dermatologist regularly.
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