follow @PCDSUKCreated: 10th November 2011 | Last Updated: 24th April 2017
Introduction
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Acne fulminans is a very uncommon form of acne with cutaneous and systemic features. This chapter is set out as follows: |
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History
- It typically presents in mid-teenage boys who may have had, for a few years, mild acne which, over a matter of a few weeks changes into severe inflammatory acne, especially on the trunk
- It is associated with systemic symptoms such as a fever, arthritis and lethargy
Clinical findings
- Severe inflammatory acne on the trunk
Images
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Figure: 1 Acne fulminans |
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Figure: 2 Acne fulminans |
Management
- Refer urgently to a consultant dermatologist
- Treatment is usually with oral steroids followed by the introduction of low dose oral isotretinoin, hospitalisation may be required
- If inadequately treated acne fulminans will result in severe scarring