acne fulminans

Acne Fulminans

Acne fulminans is an incredibly rare, rapidly-progressing form of severe acne vulgaris, also known as cystic acne. It is characterized by painful, inflamed cysts, nodules, and pustules, along with systemic symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and fatigue. If left untreated, acne fulminans can lead to severe scarring.

Signs and Symptoms of Acne Fulminans

The typical signs and symptoms of acne fulminans include:

• Rapidly-progressing cysts, nodules, and pustules
• Aching bones and joints
• Severe fatigue
• Fever
• Weight loss

Treatment of Acne Fulminans

Treating acne fulminans requires an aggressive approach. Such treatment may include:

• Isotretinoin: Isotretinoin is the standard treatment for acne fulminans and is a strongly suggested first-line therapy. Low doses of oral corticosteroids may also be prescribed along with isotretinoin.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may be prescribed to reduce joint pain. These may also be combined with isotretinoin.
• Immunosuppressant drugs: In some cases, immunosuppressant drugs such as methotrexate or azathioprine may be prescribed to help treat the underlying systemic cause of acne fulminans.

To avoid potential scarring, it is essential to seek medical treatment for acne fulminans as soon as possible. To learn more about how to treat and prevent scarring from acne fulminans, talk to a qualified healthcare professional.

Keywords

Acne Fulminans, Severe Acne Vulgaris, Cystic Acne, Rapidly Progressing, Painful, Inflamed, Systemic Symptoms, Fever, Joint Pain, Fatigue, Scarring, Isotretinoin, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory, Immunosuppressant Drugs