Acne is a detestable ailment that no one wishes upon himself or others. One of the reasons why it is highly detestable is the attendant massive bodily discomfort that it brings to sufferers. Acne comes in different shapes and sizes; from mild to very severe cases. The severe cases can sometimes be very debilitating and in some reported cases render it’s victims immoveable.

Experts (Dermatologists) and other stakeholders in the Aesculapian fields have come to recognize four targeted cases of acne to be serious cases; they came to this conclusion because:

a. Of the terrible wounds and scars that it meets out to its victims.

b. Of the long-term effects that these wounds and scars can have on the sufferer.

c. Of the emotional and psychological trauma that the sufferer goes through.

d. Severe cases of acne affect other parts of the body also.

e. Severe cases of acne are associated with severe bodily pains and discomfort.

f. It reduces the sufferer’s self esteem, vigor, quality of life and passion for life.

g. Sometimes it can be life-threatening.

ACNE CONGLOBATA

Acne conglobata is the number one reported case of acne that is regarded as the severest. It attacks almost every part of the human body ranging from the face, neck, back, chest, upper arms, buttock, stomach and thighs.

Acne conglobata characteristics include:

a. Deep abscesses

b. Inflammation

c. Severe damage to the skin

d. Scarring

e. Blackheads

Acne coglobata victim are males between the ages of 18 – 30. Experts are at loss as to the cause of acne conglobata. It can remain dormant and active for many years until something induces it to resurface.

Treatment: Isotretinoin is the prescribed treatment of choice. Antibiotics can also be prescribed. The patient should have regular checkups by a dermatologist for any signs of recurrence. A dermatologist can also treat the scars.

ACNE FULMINANS

Acne fulminans is the second in the hierarchy of severe cases of acne. It is an extension of previous bouts with acne conglobata that was not treated well. It is a sudden onset of highly destructive and disfiguring inflammation. It appears suddenly in a person with inflammatory acne and is characterized by:

a. Symptoms of severe and often ulcerating acne

b. Fever

c. Inflammation and aching of joints, this are very obvious around the hips and knees

Treatment: Corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be administered to patient to reduce inflammation.

GRAM-NEGETIVE FOLLICULITIS

Gram-negetive follicilitis is another form of severe case of acne. It is caused by an inflammation of the follicles which may be te result of bacterial attack or infection. This brand of severe acne is characterized by:

a. Pustules

b. Cysts

Gram-negetive folliculitis derives its name from laboratory test carried out by lab experts. When a laboratory test is carried with blue-stain test, bacteria that do not stain blue is referred to as gram-negative.

Treatment: Isotretinoin (Accutane) is often effective in combating gram-negative folliculitis. But, care should be taken that it may be taken only under strict medical guidance.

PYODERMA FACIALE

This form of severe acne is common with the female folks. It is common with those around the age bracket of 20 – 40 years. Pyoderma faciale is an unusual skin condition occurring in young adult women. It is also called ‘rosacea fulminans’. As the name suggests; this form severe acne is confined to the face the sufferer

Pyoderma faciale starts suddenly it usually persists less than a year or so but can wreck a great deal of disfiguring the face of its victim.

Treatment: It must be stated that brand of severe acne is rare. These oral medications can be prescribed: systemic steroids, antibiotics and isotretinoin