This can lead to severe, permanent scarring.
The face, shoulders, back, chest, buttocks, and thighs are most commonly affected.
Acne conglobata can be challenging to treat and may require a drug called isotretinoin or a course of oralantibiotics.
Dr. Milton Reisch / Getty Images
Although the exact cause is unknown, genetics and hormonal imbalances are thought to play a role.
Males are affected more than females.
This article looks at the symptoms and causes of acne conglobata.
It also explains how the condition is diagnosed and treated, including the best ways to heal acne scars.
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Symptoms of Acne Conglobata
Acne conglobata is a rare pop in ofnodulocystic acne.
(Nodules are deeper and firmer than cysts).
Nodulocystis acne typically causes isolated nodules.
With acne conglobata, multiple nodules develop the eventually interconnect into pus-filled tunnels.
The nodules often start ascomedones(also known as whiteheads and blackheads).
These non-inflammatory bumps can sometimes become infected, causing pus to accumulate and penetrate deeper layers of the skin.
Acne conglobata occurs because comedones develop in clusters.
In other instances, acne conglobata can develop on skin that is heavily populated with oil-producingsebaceous glands.
In chronic (persistent) cases, the scarring can be disfiguring.
With that said, acne conglobata is thought to be strongly influenced by the hormonetestosterone.
An imbalance in testosterone is strongly linked to acne conglobata.
This is evidenced by risk factors associated with the condition.
This includes:
Acne conglobata also occurs in families, suggesting a genetic link.
Other types of acne also run in families, especiallysevere inflammatory forms.
Most cases can be diagnosed based on the symptoms alone.
This can help them opt for most effective antibiotic drug.
This can be done with suctioning, surgery, orcryotherapy(cold therapy).
This can lead to pockmarks or areas of shiny, lighter-colored skin calledkeloid scars.
Because of the potentially disfiguring effects, the treatment needs to be more aggressive.
No form of acne, including acne conglobata, can be “cured.”
Studies suggest that acne conglobata can be an ongoing concern for as long as three decades.
After that, it often spontaneously clears on its own.
This can cause hardened, painful lumps and disfiguring scars.
The cause of acne conglobata is unknown but testosterone and genetics are thought to play a part.
Isotretinoin and oral antibiotics are commonly prescribed.
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