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.
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.
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.
Despite its severity, this acne is not known to cause death or any other life threatening conditions. However, the disease is known to kill the self esteem of its victims. Indeed, in the long run, the physical rigors caused by the disease become more bearable than the emotional and mental torture that anyone suffering from this dreaded skin ailment has to endure. Sufferers of this type of acne are often shunned by other people, making them feel like lepers in their community and even at their own homes.
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.
Prevention is always the best medicine. Hence, it is important to always be on the look out for any symptoms of the disease. While acne conglobata is a treatable disease, it would be best to nip it in the bud by immediately taking action at the first sign of symptoms.