Posts Tagged ‘nodular acne’

When talking about acne in general terms it is classified into the predominant lesion type that is visible, e.g. comedonal, papulopustular, nodular and cystic, as well as the severity such as mild, moderate and severe.

Nodular acne is different to other types of acne in that the pimples are much larger and more painful. It is a type of acne vulgaris in its most severe form. The nodules that give it its name appear as hard lumps beneath the skin’s surface. They are inflammatory lesions measuring 5mm or larger and they last from weeks to months. They are characterized by many nodules or cysts-inflammatory lesions filled with pus and lodged deep within the skin.

In the past this type of acne was simply termed “cystic acne” but this has more recently been changed to be known more correctly as “severe nodular acne”.

Acne conglobata is a severe, suppurative form of nodular acne that is most often experienced by males. It is uncommon but it is characterized by burrowing and interconnecting abscesses and irregular scars. The comedones usually occur in groups of 2 or 3 and cysts appear and then reappear after drainage. They are usually found on the back, chest, shoulders, buttocks and the face.

Treating Nodular Acne

Treatment of nodular acne is done with a course of drugs, an isotretinoin based medication such as Accutane. Accutane is considered a major breakthrough in the treatment of severe nodular acne which is resistant to standard acne treatment, including oral antibiotics. It has been found to have the potential to permanently clear acne after a course of treatment which is usually 5 months in duration.

The use of isotretinoin should only be used after all other avenues of acne treatment have been exhausted because it does come with side-effects. It must not be used by women who are able to bear children or during pregnancy because it causes birth defects in humans.

Dealing with nodular acne is a delicate matter because of the great risk of permanent scarring being the result.

There always seems to be some new wonder cure for nodular acne. Because it is such a painful condition that takes a long time to overcome and because the results are long lasting, alternative treatments to the existing ones are sought. With any home remedy or unproven concoction it is highly advisable to talk to your medical practitioner about it first. They will probably have heard of all the myths and theories and are in a position to explain the possible dangers with trying something new.