The common symptom of acne is inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions that erupt on the skin due to the clogging of pores or hair follicles. These lesions can be either one of comedones, papules, cysts or nodules. This problem usually occurs during puberty, when the body secretes large amounts of an oily substance called sebum. The extra sebum can block the pores, giving your skin an oily skin. The acne occurs in 3 different stages: mild, moderate and severe.
Here we take a look at severe acne.
Severe acne is defined as the presence of various comedones and pus filled pustules that reach right till your neck. The size of these pustules can be as big as 1-2cm. The other characteristic of severe acne is the presence of highly inflammatory lesions that are seen from a distance of 2.5m. Severe acne can also include Acne conglobata, sinus or cystic acne. This problem can affect anybody right from the infants to old people. It can occur anywhere on the body.
Management of severe acne: Oral medications are the best treatment for severe acne. They are prescribed by a dermatologist and should be generally taken from 6-12 months.
Medication for severe acne:
1. The first medication preferred by the dermatologist is oral Isotretinoin.
2. Along with this, you should take high doses of oral antibiotics for at least 6 months.
3. Women are given oral anti-androgens that will provide them long term cure.
Usually a dermatologist will draw up a combination treatment plan that includes Isotretinoin and antibiotics, depending on the severity of the acne. Severe acne is a serious medical problem that demands urgent medical treatment. But under any circumstances, avoid self-medication.