Korean J Dermatol.  2016 May;54(4):297-300.

A Case of Acne Fulminans after Oral Isotretinoin Therapy

• Ko HS
• Moon JH
• Kang MJ
• Byun JW
• Shin J
• Choi GS

Abstract

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare severe form of acne associated with systemic symptoms. It primarily affects male adolescents and is clinically characterized by painful ulcerative nodules on the face, chest, and back. The associated systemic symptoms, such as fever, myalgia, and arthralgia, are usually present at the onset. The etiology of AF remains unknown, but there are many theories, such as increased androgens, autoimmune complex disease, and genetic predisposition. Treatment can be challenging because its response to traditional acne therapies is poor. A combination of oral steroids and isotretinoin is the most recommended treatment. Herein, we report a case of a 16-year-old Korean man with acne fulminans presenting with tender, hemorrhagic, crusted, inflammatory nodules on the upper chest, which occurred after isotretinoin use. After treatment with oral isotretinoin and pulsed dye laser for 23 weeks, most of the lesions healed leaving some scars.

Keyword

Acne fulminans; Acne; Isotretinoin

MeSH Terms

Acne Vulgaris*
Adolescent
Androgens
Arthralgia
Cicatrix
Fever
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Humans
Isotretinoin*
Lasers, Dye
Myalgia
Steroids
Thorax
Ulcer
Androgens
Isotretinoin
Steroids