Nobody can deny that 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 forms of acne shouldn't be taken lightly and 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.

The 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 persistent form of acne vulgaris. It is generally characterized by inflammation, severe skin damage, deep abscesses, and scarring. You may also discover noticeable and widespread blackheads.

Men are more susceptible to this type of acne. Sometimes, acne conglobata may appear in acne that has been dormant for years.

Acne Fulminans

Acne fulminans is a sudden onset of destructive inflammation. It usually presents with severe acne, fever and aching joints. A person who has this type of acne usually had an unsuccessful treatment of another form of acne.

Nodulocystic Acne or Cystic Acne

When this type of acne appears, it can present itself with isolated or generalized acne cysts. These masses are not actually cysts but rather 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

All of these forms of acne are treated using isotrentinoin. Usually, antibiotics can be prescribed in conjunction with isotrentinoin. Even so, a long term treatment is necessary to keep these types of acne under control. Here are some of the 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

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