What is Acne Conglobata?
Acne conglobata is a variety of acne that frequently occurs in men. It usually manifests concurrently with other forms of acne, and is frequently more persistent, painful and scarring.
Who gets Acne Conglobata?
Acne conglobata is most common in males, the reason for this being its intrinsic connection with the hormone testosterone. Individuals that otherwise suffer from an overload of androgens may also suffer from acne conglobata, and it may also be linked to anabolic steroid abuse. It may also occur after testosterone therapy has ended, as the body tries to recalibrate its endocrine system.
What causes Acne Conglobata?
Acne conglobata is frequently an exacerbation of a pre-existing acne condition. Its primary catalyst is the presence of an excess of androgens, which may be brought upon by any number of factors: male puberty, steroid abuse, the presence of a tumor releasing androgens on its own or otherwise causing the body to release additional androgens, or testosterone therapy.
What does Acne Conglobata Cause?
Acne conglobata frequently causes far worse scarring than ‘normal’ acne. These scars may be atrophic (small pits, as expected of acne scars) or keloidal (raised deformities).
How Serious is Acne Conglobata?
Acne conglobata is a serious skin condition that should be examined by a professional if at all possible. Because of its roots in the endocrine system and the implication of imbalance that comes with it, and because acne conglobata lesions are more likely to scar than standard cases of acne, aggressive treatment should be sought. The rupturing nature of acne conglobata lesions makes them more prone to infection than other types of acne, as well, making further complications far too possible for it to go ignored. That said, acne conglobata is not in and of itself life threatening.
How can Acne Conglobata be Treated?
Treatment options vary depending upon the severity of the infection. The catch-all cure most frequently invoked is isotreitonin, better known as Roaccutane. However, because every case is different, and Roaccutane carries with it various risks that may be considered untenable for some individuals, laser therapy may also be used. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed in concert with these treatments to ‘keep it down’, depressing the formation of pus that worsens the lesions.
What does Acne Conglobata Look Like?
Acne conglobata manifests first as blackheads in clusters of between two and four. Pimples then form around these blackheads, which fill with fluid and eventually rupture. This rupturing causes the body’s immune response to flood it with pus. However, this will eventually cause the lesion to rupture again, and again, growing larger each time. Multiple lesions may fuse, covering more area and eventually making the scarring worse. Frequently, acne conglobata lesions scab over while expanding.
How do I know if I have Acne Conglobata?
Acne conglobata can be identified by the prior description, but as with all skin ailments, it should first be diagnosed by a professional.
What is the Recommended Acne Treatment?
There are many treatments available for acne of all types. However, in our experience, the most effective is Dermasil for Acne. Dermasil for Acne is a unique treatment option that approaches the problem of acne from a different angle, and can effectively supplement all other forms of treatment, or be used on its own.