Acne fulminans

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Acne fulminans, also known as acne maligna, is a severe form of acne which can occur after unsuccessful treatment for another form of acne, acne conglobata.

Acne fulminans is thought to be an immunologically induced disease in which elevated level of testosterone causes a rise in sebum and P acne bacterias. The condition is commonly, albeit inefficiently treated with steroids.

Acne fulminans' begins as pain and inflammation in the joints. It eventually progresses into a swelling of the lymph nodes located at the base of the neck, causing inflexibility in the neck within weeks after the nodes swell. This swelling will eventually decrease, but this decrease will be accompanied by an increased inflammation and swelling of the joints, as well as a complete loss of appetite, though these symptoms are often ignored. After some time, the disease will cause an extreme loss of weight and atrophy of the muscles, leading to the decline of physical abilities. Treatment should be sought immediately in order to avoid hospitalization. If not treated, hospitalization for an extended period of time (usually two weeks) is likely. During hospitalization, the patient is tested for signs of system degradation, especially of the skeletal structure and the digestive tract. By this time open sores will develop on the upper torso. Some will be the size of dimes, others will be large enough to stick a couple fingers into. They will crust up, causing cohesion to any fabric the sores touch, which is extremely painful to remove. It is recommended to sleep on ones sides until the cystic condition subsides, in order to avoid any uncomfortable situations. Once inflammation goes down, one should resume sleeping on ones front or back, to avoid any complications with shoulder issues in the future (such as spontaneous dislocation).

The disease activates at the height of puberty, usually at around 13 years of age.

The psychological effects are far lasting, as are the physical. Chances of stunting growth are highly likely. Flashbacks are common. Other common occurrences include infections of other areas of the body, and possible removal of those areas, that occur far after the disease has subsided.