A severe type of acne like Acne Conglobata can cause disfigurement and may require medical treatment for years to heal. It is thus important to consult a dermatologist to treat severe acne which does not go away with time but deteriorate.
What is Acne Conglobata?
Acne Conglobata is the most critical type of acne. It mostly affects male. They appear as lesions on the face, neck, chest, and upper arms and buttocks. They often occur in clumps. Inflammatory nodules appear around these clumps. Ulcers can also form beneath these nodules which may get interconnected and make abscesses. The comedones increase in size and ultimately burst open to give out foul smelling pus. Even after treatment the burrowing abscesses leave behind deep and irregular scars.
Normally Acne Conglobata is preceded by cysts, papules and pustules which instead of healing get worse with time. Acne Conglobata can even flare up from dormant acne.
People usually get this acne between 18 to 30 years of age but some people may get it beyond 40s also. Often babies are also infected by it.
What causes Acne Conglobata?
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The causes of Acne Conglobata are still unknown. But most doctors are of opinion that it is related to the genetics. Chromosomal defects are responsible for this acne. Most patients inherit it from their parents.
Certain elements are known to trigger this acne. Toxic gases like halogens and dioxins and anabolic steroids can cause severe acne in some people. Discontinuing a course of testosterone may also trigger it.
Symptoms of Acne Conglobata
Swelling and pain in the lesions with severe inflammation and sensitivity are the common symptoms of this acne. The cysts may erupt and the lesions ooze out also.
Treatment of Acne Conglobata
Treatment of Acne Conglobata primarily involves oral medication in the form of isotetrinoin. It is derived from vitamin A. It prevents sebaceous glands from secreting sebum which checks growth of new blemishes. Depending on the severity, doctors often prescribe corticosteroid for applying on the affected area and antibiotics for consumption. Antibiotics abate the bacteria which causes Acne Conglobata and the topical medicine reduces the inflammation thereby providing relief to the patient. The most widely used antibiotics are tetracycline and erythromycin.
Acne Conglobata needs time to heal. Antibiotics are usually prescribed at the beginning of the treatment and isotetrinoin takes almost five months to show any result.
Possible side effects of isotetrinoin for acne conglobata treatment
Although isotetrinoin is widely used in treating Acne Conglobata but it has several harmful side effects. It can cause depression and patients may develop suicidal thoughts also. Whereas antibiotics often cause diarrhea and corticosteroid makes skin thin and allergic too.
Several researches have shown another fatal side effect of isotetrinoin. It causes miscarriages and birth defects when taken by pregnant women. So women should avoid it during pregnancy and must use birth control while taking this medicine.
Alternate treatments of acne conglobata
Tretinoin is another drug that is administered to eliminate lesions of acne conglobata. The patient may have to visit the dermatologist from time to time to check for any recurrence.
Another alternate therapy is using carbon dioxide laser followed by applying topical Tretinoin.
For resistant cases often a leprosy drug, Dapsone is used. But this drug requires monitoring.
Surgery for acne conglobata
Surgery is the last option in treating Acne Conglobata. The connected nodules are eliminated through surgery. Sometimes Intralesional triamcinolone or cryotherapy is also performed to treat this acne. After surgery often patients undergo grafting to have a healthy skin.
Remedies for acne conglobata
- To fight Acne Conglobata patients need a strong immunity system. Supplements of vitamins A, E, C and B6 and Zinc are often prescribed to boost up the immunity system to fight against the bacteria.
- Your diet should consist of healthy foods which boost immunity system. Include fruits and organic food in your diet.
- Exercise improves blood circulation which makes skin healthy and reduces the chances of acne conglobata.
- It may not be possible to prevent Acne Conglobata but as a remedial measure people who have history of it in their family or who suffer from recurrent acne problems should keep their skin clean by taking regular baths. They may use topical medicines also to reduce spread of acne.
The best way to fight Acne Conglobata is to stay healthy and fit and visit dermatologist regularly to check for any symptoms of Acne Conglobata and stop acne problems before they emerge.
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