Final answer:
Acne fulminans is a severe form of acne with a sudden onset, characterized by painful, inflamed, and ulcerative lesions on the skin and systemic symptoms. It is a more severe form than the common acne and requires prompt medical treatment to prevent serious complications such as scarring.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Acne Fulminans?
Acne fulminans is a severe and sudden onset form of acne that is characterized by inflammatory and ulcerative lesions on the skin. This condition is often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and joint pain. It is considered an escalated form of acne conglobata, which itself is a highly inflammatory disease associated with nodules. Unlike the common types of acne which typically result from infections by acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus, acne fulminans can lead to more serious consequences including significant scarring and systemic symptoms. A key characteristic of acne is the overproduction of sebum which, when combined with dead skin cells, can block hair follicles and provide a breeding ground for infection.
Treatment for acne fulminans typically involves medications to reduce inflammation, antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection, and sometimes systemic corticosteroids or isotretinoin.