Acne vulgaris is a common skin problem especially among teenagers. However, there are times when young people develop one of the four types of severe acne: acne fulminans, acne conglobata, nodulocystic acne, and gram negative folliculitis. These types of acne require special attention by a medical professional and shouldn't be taken lightly.

Every one of these forms of acne can lead to extensive or severe scarring. The only way you can keep them from developing into scars is by treating them adequately and in due time.

Characteristics of Severe Acne

First, have a look at each one of these types of acne and learn which are 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. You can also find noticeable and widespread blackheads.

Men are more prone to suffer this form of acne. Occasionally, acne conglobata can appear in acne that has been dormant for many years.

Acne Fulminans

Acne fulminans is a sudden onset of destructive inflammation. It usually presents with 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. As a matter of fact, they are more commonly referred to as nodules.

Gram Negative Folliculitis

This type of acne is usually caused by long-term antibiotic treatment. It is caused by bacterial infection that can lead to the inflammation of the follicles.

How to Treat Severe Acne

All of these forms of acne are 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 is a list of the more specific treatment options available for each type of acne.

Acne Conglobata

Isotrentinoin and antibiotics are usually enough to keep acne conglobata under control, however, Long term care is the best way of keeping 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

In addition to isotretinoin, Gram negative bacteria can also be used to treat this condition.