Acne fulminans

Abstract

Acne fulminans is a rare and severe variant of acne. In Brazilian medical journals, cases are infrequently reported, confirming its rarity. We followed five young male patients with this severe variant of cutaneous lesions, accompanied by also severe systemic symptoms: fever, anorexia, weight loss, and arthralgia. All had a good response to corticosteroids (prednisone), but had significant scarring.

Use of Interleukin-12/23 Inhibitor for the Management of Acne Fulminans

“…Originally referred to as “acne maligna” or “acute febrile ulcerative acne conglobata,” the term AF was introduced by Plewig and Kligman in 1975 to distinguish its unique attributes [ 6 ]. AF lesions are characterized by painful nodulocystic acne with a distinctive hemorrhagic crust, most commonly presenting on the face, back, and chest [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 7 ]. These severe and widespread lesions may have a detrimental effect on the self-image and confidence of affected adolescents, leading to body dysmorphic disorder and depressive syndromes in some cases [ 7 ].…”

“…The demographic profile of documented AF cases predominantly comprises adolescent males between 13 and 22 years of age, often with a history of prolonged acne [ 6 , 7 ]. Contributing risk factors include elevated testosterone, which may result from adrenal hyperplasia or the use of anabolic steroids, and most frequently, the use of isotretinoin [ 1 , 3 , 6 , 8 ]. With the expanding clinical use of isotretinoin, the incidence of isotretinoin-induced AF appears to be increasing [ 6 , 9 ].…”

Adalimumab in the Management of Isotretinoin-Induced Acne Fulminans: Report of a Case

“…The disorder affects more frequently young males between 13- and 22-year old with a prior history of acne [1-3]. Although the etiology of AF is not well understood, pharmacologic agents such as steroid hormones and isotretinoin have been shown to be well-known triggers [4, 5]. Management of AF is complex since traditional therapies are often ineffective.…”

Acne fulminans: a rare form of acne

“…It is characterized by rapid onset of painful inflammatory nodules in the habitual areas of acne, which become suppurative, ulcerated and covered by hemorrhagic crusts [2]. The trunk is strongly affected, especially the back, but also the shoulders and face [3]. Systemic symptoms are essential for the diagnosis, most commonly fatigue, malaise, arthralgias, myalgias and fever [1].…”

“…Systemic symptoms are essential for the diagnosis, most commonly fatigue, malaise, arthralgias, myalgias and fever [1]. Laboratory tests show blood count abnormalities, with leukocytosis and neutrophilia, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate [3]. The treatment has been challenging and must be aggressive.…”