acne fulminans
Last reviewed 01/2018
This is a rare, very severe form of acne due to an immune complex reaction to Propionibacterium acnes.
It most commonly affects adolescent boys.
Features:
- severe eruptive and ulcerative scarring lesions, fever, arthralgia, debilitation leucocytosis and a high ESR
- osteolytic bone lesions can occur eg. in the clavicle
Management:
- inpatient treatment with high dose systemic steroid
- if patient is taking oral isotretinoin then temporary withdrawal of this treatment is usual