Acne Fulminans
Acne fulminans is a rare acne condition in which there is a rapid onset of many tender pimples and nodules on the chest and back with occasional involvement of the face. This happens exclusively in boys, usually between the ages of 13 and 16. The pimples rapidly break down leaving large sores and ulcers. Acne fulminany may be accompanied by fevers, joint aches, and blood abnormalities.Acne vulgaris, the medical term for common acne, is the most common skin disease. It affects nearly 17 million people in the United States. While acne can arise at any age, it usually begins at puberty and worsens during adolescence. Nearly 85% of people develop acne at some time between the ages of 12-25 years. Up to 20% of women develop mild acne. It is also found in some newborns.
Skin eruption, mainly occurring among adolescents and young adults, caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands, which secrete an oily substance (sebum), the natural lubricant of the skin. Sometimes the openings of the glands become blocked, causing the formation of pus-filled swellings. Teenage acne is seen mainly on the face, back, and chest.
CONCLUSION
Acne fulminans is a serious disease that is extremely rare in Brazil, with etiopathogenesis still no totally clarified. Recent studies have shown that the combination of glucocorticoids and systemic antibiotics constitutes an effective treatment in the early stages of the disease, but isotretinoin has proved to be necessary for its long-term control.13 In this work, the authors describe two clinical cases of acne fulminans in male adolescents.
with exuberant dermatological lesions and good therapeutic response after antibiotic management and systemic corticoid. Since it is a disease with a sudden onset and rapid clinical course, the importance of its diagnosis and precocious treatment must be emphasized, with the objective of reducing its significant morbidity.
Symptoms of Acne Fulminans
Symptoms include severe lesions, fever, arthritis and failure to respond to antibacterial therapy. It is best treated with steroids.
Treatment of Acne Fulminans
Corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be given to reduce inflammation. Attacks of acne fulminans may recur, and the patient may develop acne that requires long-term treatment with isotretinoin. Hosptilization may be required.
