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Nobody can deny that acne vulgaris is a common skin problem, especially among teenagers. Nevertheless, there are times when young people develop acne conglobata, acne fulminans, nodulocystic acne, and gram negative folliculitis. These forms of acne require special attention by a medical professional.

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

These are the Characteristics of Severe Acne

First, take a look at each one of these types of acne and discover their main characteristics.

Acne Conglobata

Acne conglobata is a type of acne that is a persistent 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. 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. When someone has this type of acne it is usually because they have had an unsuccessful treatment of another form of acne.

Nodulocystic Acne and Cystic Acne

When this type of acne appears, it can present itself with isolated or generalized acne cysts. These masses are not true 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 usually caused by long-term antibiotic treatment. It is caused by bacterial infection that can lead to the inflammation of the follicles.

Treatment for Severe Acne

These forms of acne are treated using isotrentinoin. It isn't uncommon that antibiotics be prescribed in conjunction with isotrentinoin. Even so, you'll need 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. Long term care is the best way to keep it from recurring.

Acne Fulminans

Long term use of isotretinoin may be necessary to control this type of acne. Steroids may also be used to reduce inflammation.

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.