There is a big difference between pimples and acne. Many people with few pimples and a rash think they have acne, but this could just be an effect from medication, diet or hormones.Acne, also know as acne vulgaris is a condition characterized by different types of lesions on the face and/or back. There is mild acne that can be easily treated with OTC medication and topical creams .However, there are more severe forms of acne that are difficult to treat and require a visit to the dermatologist. These types are usually treated with a combination of oral, and topical prescribed medication.
Let us explore the severe forms of acne.
Acne Conglobata
This happens when acne vulgaris suddenly flares up and instead of settling down beg
Acne Conglobata
This happens when acne vulgaris suddenly flares up and instead of settling down begins forming more inflammation and nodules with deep cysts .Large, painful cysts form and connect beneath the skin, creating visible and even disfiguring scars. Its common in male teenagers. These nodules are filled with pus which may have a foul smell.
The most common symptoms of acne conglobata are:
- Acne that gets worse with OTC treatments.
- Deeply inflamed abscesses in the skin
- Blackheads on the buttocks, upper arm area, neck, and face
- Foul smelling pus from the nodules.
Acne Fulminans
This acne type follows untreated acne conglobata. It causes fever and forms deeper abscesses. Its symptoms are similar to those of acne conglobata but more severe. Doctors may use steroids and other anti-inflammatory agents to treat this condition.
Gram Negative Folliculitis
This is not acne, but inflammation of the hair follicle caused by a bacteria. It causes pustules around the hair follicle and may even form boils around them. It can develop when one treats another form of severe acne with topical or oral antibiotics over a long period of time. Gram negative folliculitis can be difficult to treat, because the bacteria don't respond well to many of the antibiotics used to treat severe acne.
How to tell if your acne is severe.
- Your pimples are widespread and cover a significant part of your face and/or body.
- You have a lot of redness and inflammation on your skin.
- Many of your blemishes are deep, swollen,pus filled, and painful.
- Over-the-counter treatments(creams,cleansers, gels etc.) have done nothing to improve your skin.
Treatment for Severe Acne
Severe acne can lead to deep scars so its important you get treatment as soon as possible. Do not buy OTC treatment they will not work for this type of acne, instead visit a dermatologist as soon as possible.
There many treatment options that your dermatologist can use but it takes time to get severe acne under control, it is a tough problem, but it can be managed. It calls for patience and faithfully following your treatment and you will get significant improvement on your skin. Don't give up—there is hope.
Photo by Anna Tarazevich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/curly-hair-woman-with-acne-and-nose-piercing-6268707/