Pyoderma faciale, also known as rosacea fulminans, is a very severe form of rosacea. It presents abruptly with abscesses and nodules, and it causes bleeding and scarring, which is almost always extremely damaging to skin. While pyoderma faciale shares the same traits as common rosacea in that it creates a distinct reddening of the skin, it has little else in common. Pyoderma faciale develops within a few days, making it distinct from most forms of rosacea. Pyoderma faciale causes nodules and lesions to form, and they bleed and will almost certainly cause scarring. These scars are usually thicker because of the lesions that pyoderma faciale causes to form.

Outside of the already painful eruptions, infection is a large worry with an outbreak of pyoderma faciale; because of the open sores that form, it is all too easy for bacteria to get into them. These areas need to be treated with care, as infection will only cause the symptoms to become worse, and cause further scarring and damage to the skin. Additionally, pyoderma faciale can also cause an acne outbreak to occur in people who tend to have issues with oily skin; it can also cause other skin conditions that occur due to inflammation to occur at the same time.

Who does pyoderma faciale affect?

The strange thing about pyoderma faciale is that it only affects women. Doctors are not sure why, but it does not occur in men. Standard rosacea can affect both men and women, but this particular form of rosacea is singular to women. This occurs to women usually in their twenties or thirties, but never before adolescence. There do not appear to be any genetic preconditions that cause Pyoderma faciale to be more likely.

What causes pyoderma faciale?

The strange thing is, while doctors generally understand what the condition of pyoderma faciale does, they do not know what causes it. It does not respond to treatment that is used for acne or rosacea, even though many of the symptoms appear to overlap. It is not caused by excess oil production, or bacteria, and there appears to be no apparent cause that triggers it; however, at least, it is not contagious, and cannot be passed on to another person.

How do you treat pyoderma faciale?

The one tiny, saving grace of such an awful condition is that the treatment for pyoderma faciale is known, and highly and quickly effective. By using injections of Accutane, also known as Isotreitonin, people suffering from pyoderma faciale will see quick results, and quick action can help prevent more damage from occurring after the condition begins to present itself. Women that are pregnant, since they are not able to take Accutane because of a high risk of birth defects, are prescribed steroid injections or topical gels.

While pyoderma faciale may appear visually similar to acne, especially severe cystic acne, it does not respond to any acne or bacteria killing treatments, as acne does. If any signs of pyoderma faciale begin to appear, contact a doctor or dermatologist immediately. The sooner you are able to get treatment, the less damage that will be done to your skin.

There are a few different types of acne, but the most severe is acne vulgaris, better known as cystic acne. This is more common in younger men, but people at any age or gender can experience it. People who are suffering from cystic acne can have scaly red skin, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and large papules. Scarring is also common due to the severity of the acne.

Cystic acne usually affects the parts of skin with the most oil production, the back, chest and face. This type of acne usually starts to show up during adolescence, when increases in testosterone usually occur. Most people notice a decrease in the severity of their level of acne by the time they reach their early twenties.

What Causes Cystic Acne?

It appears that acne, especially cystic acne, is hereditary; most people with cystic acne have family members that suffer from it also. The same cause of regular acne is also the root of cystic acne; acne is created when pores become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. At this point, either a blackhead or a whitehead is formed. Inflammation of these can occur due to bacteria, and this is what causes lesions to occur. These lesions are usually what leads to acne scarring.

What can you do to treat it?

There are several different ways that cystic acne can be treated such as: benzoyl peroxide, oral antibiotics, birth control pills, oral retinoids, and topical retinoids.

• Benzoyl peroxide is the most common treatment for cystic acne, it is usually the first thing that is prescribed to treat it. Its side effects are the most mild, usually limited to redness and peeling, but it is also not as strong as some of the other options for treatment.

• Oral antibiotics help to kill the bacteria that causes acne. It has a high success rate and relatively few side effects; however, the treatment is not a permanent solution. People that take oral antibiotics to treat cystic acne will eventually see the bacteria become resistant to the treatment.

• Birth control pills (obviously for women) can help regulate hormones that are causing increased oil production, and limiting oil helps get acne under control. The downsides of this method is that all of the possible side effects associated with birth control are still an issue, even with a lower dosage. Additionally, this does not always completely cure the acne, though it usually does at least reduce it.

• Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives; vitamin A is a major part of skin cell replacement and health. The most common oral retinoid is Accutane (now sold as Isotretinoin). The success rate for Accutane is almost one hundred percent; however, the side effects related to it are extreme and severe. For example, women have to sign contracts stating that they are on, and will continue to be on, two different types of birth control to be prescribed it.

• Topical retinoids, such as Retin-A and Differin, are also highly effective, but do not carry the same type of extreme side effects that Accutane does. But the side effects of topical retinoids are still rather strong. The work essentially as a chemical peel, and people with sensitive or dry skin can have extreme reactions to them. People with normal to oily skin will have the least problems using it, and most side effects go away within a few weeks of using it.

Gram-negative folliculitis is a type of acne complication that usually occurs after prolonged treatment with antibiotics. Acne vulgaris, which causes whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and pustules, occurs when dirt, bacteria, oil and dead skin cells clog the pores. When acne is not controlled by over-the-counter treatments, a physician may prescribe an antibiotic such as doxycycline to reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin. This treatment also affects the number of bacterial organisms present in the nasal passages. Gram-negative organisms usually make up only 1 percent of a person’s nasal flora. In people who use antibiotics to treat acne, gram-negative organisms make up as much as 4 percent of the nasal flora. In some people, the gram-negative organisms leave the nasal passages and come into contact with the skin on the face.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of folliculitis depend on the extent of the problem. Superficial folliculitis only affects the upper part of each hair follicle. This type of gram-negative folliculitis causes red skin, inflamed skin, tenderness, itching, clusters of red bumps around the hair follicles and the formation of pus-filled blisters. Deep folliculitis gets deeper in the skin and affects the entire hair follicle. This condition causes pain, large bumps and pus-filled blisters. Once the infection clears, this type of folliculitis may leave permanent scars. Doctors can usually diagnose this condition just by looking at the skin, but some might take a sample of liquid from one of the pustules on the skin and have it tested in a laboratory. This can help determine exactly which bacteria is causing the problem.

Prevention

It may not be entirely possible to prevent folliculitis, but those who use antibiotics to treat acne should try to protect themselves. Men who save their faces should use a new blade each time they shave. Avoiding cuts and nicks can prevent bacteria from building up on the face. If shaving seems to make things worse, avoiding shaving until the infection clears up can give the skin a much-needed break.

Treatment Options

Drug therapy is the best way to treat gram-negative folliculitis, as topical treatment rarely works. Ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are the most effective in killing gram-negative organisms and controlling this type of folliculitis. A drug called isotretinoin is especially effective for treating this condition. It is not an antibiotic, but a drug that is derived from the antioxidant beta-carotene. This medication can eradicate facial lesions in as little as two to three months. Since it is not an antibiotic, however, it has no effect on the gram-negative organisms on the skin.

Acne Management

Once the folliculitis subsides, treating any remaining acne is important. Since the use of antibiotics increases the risk for gram-negative folliculitis, topical creams and cryotherapy should be considered. Topical treatments that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can reduce the amount of oil on the skin and prevent the pores from becoming clogged. Cryotherapy, also known as slush therapy or dry ice therapy, which involves the application of dry ice to skin affected by acne. This treatment can help reduce the number of acne lesions and may even help prevent scarring.

Acne fulminans is an extreme form of acne, which is also known as acute febrile ulcerative acne. It usually occurs after an attempted, but unsuccessful, treatment of acne conglobata. Acne conglobata is a form of ance that includes comedones, abscesses and draining of the sinus tracts. However, acne conglobata is not always the trigger for Acne fulminans; it can be caused by steroid use, or just occur spontaneously with no apparent cause. Acne fulminans is related to an overproduction of testosterone, and is something that occurs mostly in boys over the age of thirteen, and can affect men until the age of forty.

What are the symptoms of acne fulminans?

The symptoms of acne conglobata will show up abruptly, with little to no warning. These symptoms, in addition to comedones and abscesses, include nodules and ulcerating acne. This acne is not limited to the face and back, as most acne is, it can develop all over the body. If left untreated, these can become oozing and open sores, which are highly susceptible to infection.

Acne fulminans also causes inflammation and pain in joints, and shortly after causes lymph nodes to swell and become inflexible. The swelling and rigidity of the lymph nodes can lead to problems breathing, which can also eventually have a detrimental effect on internal organs. As symptoms progress, people with acne fulminans will usually have a fever and will lose their appetite, which leads to excessive weight loss and can cause muscles to atrophy. It is common to need to be hospitalized to treat acne fulminans, usually for around two to four weeks. Acne fulminans, especially if left untreated, can cause issues with the digestive system and bone structure.

What causes Acne fulminans?

Doctors are not sure what causes Acne fulminans; however, it is thought that it is caused by elevated levels of testosterone, which causes a rise in the oil production in skin and the bacteria that cause acne. Most cases of Acne fulminans occur after being treated with treitonin in an attempt to cure acne conglobata, as mentioned above. Steroid abuse has also been linked to the development of Acne fulminans, but sometimes there is not a clear cause of its onset.

How is Acne fulminans treated?

As soon as symptoms occur, treatment should be sought immediately. Unfortunately most people ignore symptoms until hospitalization is required. This is a very serious medical condition, and the effects of it if left untreated can be incredibly debilitating. Topical acne medications have no effect, and treatment is usually a combination of medications; steroids are used to help limit swelling of the acne and sores, aspirin to control pain and also assist with limiting inflammation, and high doses of antibiotics to help limit the spread of acne fulminans while also helping to keep sores from becoming infected. Additionally, Isotretinoin, an incredibly strong acne medication, may be used to help speed recovery.

Acne fulminans is a severe and debilitating condition, and should be taken seriously. If you see any of these symptoms, see a dermatologist or doctor immediately to help prevent escalation of symptoms and side effects.

cne Conglobata is considered to a very rare and severe condition of acne that may appear. Besides the regular manifestations or symptoms of the regular common acne like whitehead and blackheads this kind of diseases is more like a lesion that is pus filled which does eventually is the cause of a deep scar. This kind of acne is considered to be a very serious disease of the skin and must be looked into by a skin specialize. Acne conglobata also requires the right kind of treatment so that it may be prevented from getting any worse. Besides the discomfort that is caused by this form of acne, the disease could also be very painful especially when there is a rupture of the lesions.

Common areas affected

The chest, buttocks, back and face are considered to be the common areas that normally get affected by acne conglobata. Since this condition is considered to be inflammatory this could also lead to the keloid scarring of the skin and hence disfigurement in many extreme cases. It starts off from under the skin which is why the scars look like interconnected burrows. This kind of acne vulgaris normally affects young men who belong to the age group of 18 and 30. These symptoms may also be visible even if the sufferer has reached 40 years of age.

Cause of Acne conglobatta

The cause of this severe form of acne is unknown. Although, there are many experts that say the disease is normally because of other acne manifestations such as blisters, pimples and cysts. Just like how a volcano may suddenly erupt, this particular disease could also originate due to acne which has not shown symptoms at all. This condition of acne being really serious is associated with testosterone levels increases, anabolic steroid abuse or a condition which is the cause of the body producing more androgens.

Treatment

Although this acne condition is considered to be severe it is not known to be fatal or anything that may threaten the life. Although, such condition could definitely kill something which is the self esteem of an individual suffering from acne conglobatta. Considering the long run the physical rigors which are caused due to this disease are far more bearable when compared to the mental and emotional torture that one has to go through because of this skin ailment. Individuals who suffer from such acne are normally the ones who get shunned by people normally making them feel like they are lepers in their own homes or communities. There are many treatments which aim at stopping this particular problem. There are also many antibiotics which have caused positive effects as well although the administration of the patient and medications should be done by a professional dermatologist. Erythromycin and tetracycline are common antibiotics which are used for the treatment of this disease although dapsone is a stronger alternative if the problem becomes severe. Isotretinoin is also considered an excellent option for treatment. It is a retinoid; it has effective results when it is tried for this particular disease of the skin. This medication could turn out to be rather bitter to swallow as well as have some really permanent side effects like bone diseases or hair loss. Other treatment options include radiation or carob dioxide laser.

Although you are going to try out a range or treatments it is important to carry out with the regular care in order to get some best results. You have to keep the skin clean and get rid of any oil based lotions or products. You should not use scents or perfumes for the skin. If you happen to be a part of any activity which could make you perspire you have to wash your skin with some cool water. When you do not do so you will not remove the toxins and dirt from the skin.

Acne is a condition which is hard to deal and normally teenagers are the ones who get affected by this problem. As and how one continues to age it could become a huge problem with relationships, life choices, careers and jobs. You should not wait until there is any further damage to the skin. You have to act right away and get the right treatment. If the acne is extreme you should consider getting doctor advice to get through a good treatment plan. You should know that prevention is the best medicine for this disease. You have to keep the symptoms at check as it is treatable and take action at the right time.

Acne is considered to be a skin disorder which is definitely a known fact by almost every individual as about 90% of them must have suffered with some kind of acne at some point of time in their lives. It could sometimes be mild and sometimes severe, the acne could also appear in the forms of blackheads, whiteheads and acne which is milder while as appear as pustules or cysts being the more severe form of acne. The nodular acne is recognized by the blocked glands of oil which are the reason for producing inflamed tissue and skin.

Unlike any simple whiteheads or pimples, the nodules are denser; they are dome like lesions which might also be very irregular on the skin. This particular acne is swollen, red and affects not just the skin that appears around it but also many deep layers. When this is not checked by a certified dermatologist who can give you solutions it could become extremely destructive and leave behind ugly looking scars.
There are times when nodules appear with cysts. When this situation occurs this particular condition is known as nodylocystic acne. This particular nodular acne is not just painful but extremely unsightly.

Treating nodular acne

Those individuals who happen to suffer from this terrible form of acne known as nodular acne must stay away from any self treatment or self medication. It is very important to look for some advice from a dermatologist so that the condition is diagnosed properly and treatment is given accordingly. One of the best ways to treat this terrible acne problem would be to immediate address it in its very early stages itself. This helps a lot with any further scarring or infection. Antibiotics are also prescribed to help with this infection or prevent from any breakouts in the future. Using antibiotics could also reduce the inflammations and reduce the skin swelling.

If at all the patient does not tend to respond to the given treatment or even if the improvement is very slow it is possible for the doctor to prescribe a retinoid which is known as isotretonoin. This is considered to be an oral form of medication which is normally supposed to be taken about twice in a day, this treatment course could last anywhere between fifteen to twenty weeks. This medicine does address the problem by reducing the sebum production as well as reducing the oil that is produced thereby preventing the clogged pores.

Although isotretinoin is considered very effective it may also have a few side effects. It is not suggested that pregnant woman take it since it is known to cause some birth defects. It does have a few contraindications like skin or mouth dryness, itching, muscle pain; nose bleeding etc. this definitely does explain why many doctors tend to monitor the patients quiet closely while prescribing this drug

Hormonal treatments

A very effective form of treating the nodular acne which most of the women tend to adopt is the hormonal therapy which is given as estrogen contraceptive pills. These pills help in reducing the sebum production.

Some other effective treatments for nodular acne

Any doctor will also be able to get rid of the excess sebum or dead cells of the skin with the help of sterile equipments. For any big lesions a cortisone injection could be used. It tends to work directly on the spot that is affected thereby reducing the swelling or any pain associated. While treating the condition of nodular acne you cannot be impatient at any cost. The nodular acne may take some time to get better since the infection is normally found deep in the skin. You need to meet with your doctor on a regular basis and see if there is any improvement with the treatment.

Treating the scars of nodular acne

When the scars are occurred, you could opt between laser therapy and surgery. This does help to reduce the scars or any bumps present. Sometimes there is also a requirement of dermabrasion to be done along with laser treatment in severe cases as the scarring is normally depressed and deep.

Living with this form of acne

If you have suffered from this form of acne and you want to go in for treatment you should ensure to follow the right treatment from a good doctor especially if you have to consume antibiotics. A full course treatment is very important if you want the therapy and medications to work for the best on this problem. You have to also adopt a good diet or make the right kind of changes to your habits or lifestyle.
The main cause of such acne is not known which does make a cure permanently unlikely. This does not mean that those people who suffer from this problem must be limited on the social, mental or physical front.

Whether it is mild, moderate or severe, the majority of people have experienced some form of acne vulgaris over the course of their lives. Acne vulgaris is the term that defines the acne that typically occurs when a person is a teenager, although many adults struggle with acne vulgaris as well. The following provides an overview of acne vulgaris, including common symptoms, causes, treatment options and preventative methods.

Symptoms

While most cases of acne vulgaris occur on the face, it can also develop on the chest, shoulders and back. Acne vulgaris appears in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. These forms of acne vulgaris can range from mild to severe, with severe cases causing scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Whiteheads and blackheads are frequently referred to as comedones, and occur as a result of clogged hair follicles on the skin. Blackheads take the appearance of a small black plug that is noticeable on the surface of the skin, while whiteheads are raised, white bumps. When an individual has papules, their skin has many small red bumps. Pustules typically form after a papule, and are inflamed bumps that often contain pus at the opening.

Causes

There are many factors involved in the development of acne vulgaris. The abnormal shedding of skin cells, excessive oil production and the buildup of bacteria are the primary factors that are directly related to acne vulgaris. When the skin produces too much oil and skin cells are not shed normally, they clog hair follicles within the skin, which causes a plug to form. When this occurs, whiteheads or blackheads typically form on the skin.

After the opening of the pore becomes blocked, it creates a favorable environment for the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, which is the bacterium responsible for acne. The follicle begins to swell due to the buildup of bacteria, oil and dead skin cells. Once the follicle wall breaks open, bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum are then spread to other areas of the skin, causing the formation of acne vulgaris.

Hormonal changes and a family history are other causal factors in the development of acne vulgaris. Androgen hormones, which stimulate the production of oil, can cause acne through an overproduction of oil. Since teenagers are experiencing hormonal changes as a result of puberty, they are more prone to developing acne since their skin is producing more oil due to an increase in androgens. It is also believed that heredity is also an issue, as some individuals may become predisposed to acne vulgaris due to a family history.

Treatment

While acne vulgaris cannot be cured, there are a variety of treatments available that will help to treat acne that ranges from mild to severe. Over-the-counter treatments are the most effective for cases of acne vulgaris that are mild-to-moderate. Individuals with severe acne vulgaris should seek advice from a dermatologist, who can provide prescription medications that are applied topically or taken internally.

When treating acne vulgaris, individuals should search for products that address the common causes of acne. This can be accomplished through products that are aimed at decreasing oil production, exfoliating dead skin cells and eliminating bacteria on the skin. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the most common ingredients that can be obtained over-the-counter and through a prescription. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid promotes the exfoliation process and penetrates down to the pores, ensuring that they do not become clogged with debris.

Many topical prescription treatments for acne vulgaris contain vitamin A, a retinoid that is highly effective in controlling acne vulgaris. Vitamin A fights acne by increasing the rate of cell turnover, which encourages the regular removal of dead skin cells and keeps pores clear. Oral antibiotics can be administered when other treatment options have not been effective. Existing breakouts and pustules should never be popped, which can push bacteria deep into the skin and cause scarring and infection.

Prevention

Proper cleansing with a mild soap can help remove surface oil and dead skin cells. For cleansing to be the most effective, avoid cleansing more than twice a day and refrain from using harsh abrasives or chemical irritants, as this will worsen inflammation and cause further breakouts. For further prevention of acne vulgaris, individuals can choose cleansers that are medicated with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

If cosmetics are applied to the skin, ensure that they are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic. These products will not become trapped in pores or cause the skin to produce more oil and are safe to use on acne-prone skin. Maintaining moisture levels is an essential component in acne prevention. Since acne-prone skin tends to produce more oil when it becomes dry, applying an oil-free moisturizer can help to soothe inflammation and keep skin properly moisturized.