Almost everybody suffers from acne outbreaks. These outbreaks are sometimes severe while some other times they are not of major concern. But there are three types of severe acne of which everyone should be aware. They are Acne conglobata, Acne fulminans and Gram-negative folliculitis. These are the most commonly affecting severe types of acne. But they cause considerable physical and psychological damage. A timely diagnosis is necessary to control the spread of the acne and its infection.
Acne conglobata
Acne conglobata is the most severe form of acne. In this type blackheads spread all over the face. The black heads also have a few infected nodules around them. The nodules grow and also burst open. The nodules cause a lot of tenderness and pain. They make the skin scarred too. This form of acne affects males more than females. Acne conglobata is found in chest, back, upper arms, buttocks, and thighs besides the face. They do not clean up fast and may remain so for years.
Besides affecting the face, acne conglobata also affects the trunk i.e. chest, back, upper arms, and also the buttocks and thighs. It is caused by the deterioration of papules and pustules. Some cases of acne conglobata were through the flare up of acne, which were lying unerupted for a long time. Antibiotics and Isotretinoin is the suggested course of treatment for acne conglobata.
Acne fulminans
Another severe type of acne is Acne fulminans. Acne fulminans is a severe form of Acne conglobata. Acne fulminans infection is not only severe in the sense that it has ulcerating nodules, but it also is accompanied by fever. This form of acne appears suddenly and is accompanied by joint pain and general ill health. Acne fulminans also causes an increase in the white blood cell count. Taking the hormone testosterone may result in outbreaks of Acne fulminans. An outbreak of Acne fulminans can be treated with Isotretinoin, steroids, antibiotics and anti-inflammation atringent (aspirin).
Gram-negative folliculitis
Another major form of severe acne is the Gram-negative folliculitis. Bacteria cause this kind; they can be Pseudomonas aerugniosa and E.coli. 
This severe form of acne affects the hair follicles besides the pores. The hair follicles become inflamed and infected with the bacteria. He face has eruptions of pus filled pustules. The scars are marked. These kinds of acne cause lot of pain in the region. Gram-negative folliculitis is mainly caused by the use of topical antibiotics and also by tetracycline. The best course of treatment for Gram-negative folliculitis is Isotretinoin along with specific antibiotic.
