follow @PCDSUKCreated: 10th November 2011 | Last Updated: 24th April 2017
Introduction
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Acne conglobata is an ill-defined form of severe acne. |
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History
- Mainly found in males
- Usually appears in the early teens but becomes increasingly active in the second to third decades of life
Clinical findings
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Distribution
- Characterised by severe disease on the trunk and face
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Morphology
- Typically blackheads are grouped in clusters of several lesions, which frequently become inflamed producing sinus tracts
- Multiple inflamed papules and tender nodules
- Scarring can be extensive
Images
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Figure: 1 Acne conglobata |
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Figure: 2 Acne conglobata |
Management
- Treatment is difficult
- The patient should be considered and treated as having severe disease but, unfortunately, oral retinoids are not always successful. Consequently, severe scarring is the rule and associated hidradenitis suppurativa is common