Acne: acne conglobata

LAST UPDATED: Aug 02, 2021

Introduction

Acne conglobata is an ill-defined form of severe acne.

This chapter is set out as follows:

History
Clinical findings
Images
Management

History

Mainly found in males
Usually appears in the early teens but becomes increasingly active in the second to third decades of life
Associated with hidradenitis suppurativa

Clinical findings

Distribution

Characterised by severe acne on the trunk and face

Morphology

Typically blackheads are grouped in clusters of several lesions, which frequently become inflamed producing sinus tracts
Multiple inflamed papules and tender nodules
Scarring can be extensive

Clinical Images

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Acne conglobata

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Management

Patients should be referred urgently in order to reduce scarring
First-line treatment is usually oral retinoids, often in combination with systemic steroids

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