It is not always that a person gets a severe outbreak of acne. But a person may suffer any of the three major forms of severe acne. The severe types of acne are of three main types namely Acne conglobata, Acne fulminans and Gram-negative folliculitis. These are the most sever acne forms which wreak havoc on the faces and minds of the individuals experiencing them. A right and timely diagnosis and identification of the acne is important to treat and control the infection.

Acne conglobata

Acne conglobata is the most severe form of acne. In this type blackheads spread all over the face. The black heads also have a few infected nodules around them. The nodules grow and also burst open. The nodules cause a lot of tenderness and pain. They make the skin scarred too. This form of acne affects males more than females. Acne conglobata is found in chest, back, upper arms, buttocks, and thighs besides the face. They do not clean up fast and may remain so for years.

Acne conglobata in caused by the deterioration of papules and pustules. This is why they are found all over a persons body mostly the torso: hips and upper arms. Old acne lying dormant for a longtime can even cause Acne conglobata. The best treatment for Acne conglobata is Isotretinoin and anti-biotics.

Another sever type of acne is Acne fulminans. Acne fulminans is a severe form of Acne conglobata. Acne fulminans infection is not only severe in the sense that it has ulcerating nodules, but it also is accompanied by fever. This form of acne appears suddenly and is accompanied by joint pain and general ill health. Acne fulminans also causes an increase in the white blood cell count. Taking the hormone testosterone may result in outbreaks of Acne fulminans. An outbreak of Acne fulminans can be treated with Isotretinoin, steroids, antibiotics and anti-inflammation agent (aspirin).

The third major form of severe acne is the Gram-negative folliculitis. Bacteria are the reason behind this variety of acne. Bacteria such as Psevdomonas Aerlegniosa and E. coli are important among those. This variety of acne is perhaps the most severe and difficult to manage. Gram-negative folliculitis affects the hair follicles. The hair follicles due to bacterial infection become inflamed and infected. It also causes pus filled pustales an the face. This variety of acne is the result of topical antibiotics (ointments) and tetracycline. Gram-negative follicutitis is best treated with special antibiotics and Isotretinoin.