Acne: acne fulminans

LAST UPDATED: Jul 08, 2021

Introduction

Acne fulminans is a very uncommon form of acne with severe cutaneous features and systemic upset.

This chapter is set out as follows: 


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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Management

  • Refer urgently - a delay in treatment results in severe scarring 
  • First-line treatment is usually oral steroids, followed by the introduction of low dose oral isotretinoin, hospitalisation may be required

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