Tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor treatment of acne fulminans - a clinical and literature review.

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare, serious, sudden-onset and long-lasting skin disease that causes scarring of face and body. Standard treatment with combined long-term isotretinoin and prednisolone is not always sufficient and has a well-known propensity for adverse effects leaving an unmet need for improved therapy. Case reports suggest that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors may play a role in the management of AF. In a 3-year retrospective data collection from two dermatology centers and literature review of clinical cases of acne fulminans treated with anti-TNF-α therapy, three clinical cases and twelve literature cases were identified. A total of five different TNF-α inhibitors have been tested, with adalimumab being the most commonly used. Clinical response was seen after 1 month in 2/3 (67%) clinical cases and 5/12 (42%) literature cases, respectively, and treatment was successful in 2/3 (67%) and 11/12 (92%) after a median 3-7 months. All reported adverse effects were mild and reversible. Anti-TNF-α treatment may provide rapid improvement in patients with AF when initial treatment with isotretinoin and prednisolone fails. However, randomized controlled trials are lacking, and exact dosage and timing need to be explored before clinical implementation.

Acné fulminans: revisión narrativa de la literatura / Acne Fulminans: A Narrative Review

El acné fulminans (AF) es una forma rara y grave de acné inflamatorio. La intensidad de las lesiones cutáneas y las cicatrices secundarias impactan negativamente en la calidad de vida. Presentamos una revisión narrativa de casos de AF publicados en Medline. Se incluyeron artículos escritos en lengua castellana o inglesa, que reportasen casos aislados o series de casos de AF, de los que se recogieron variables clínico-demográficas. El objetivo principal de la revisión fue describir las características clínico-demográficas del AF. Secundariamente se pretendió determinar si la localización o la extensión lesional repercuten en la calidad de vida. Se revisaron 212 casos de AF incluidos en 91 artículos (edad media: 16,6 años, 91,94% varones). El 97,63% de los pacientes presentaron acné previo al brote de AF y el 54,90% contaba con antecedentes familiares de acné. En el 44,79% existió un factor desencadenante de AF (98,63% farmacológico: 65,28% isotretinoína). Las localizaciones más habitualmente afectas fueron cara (89,31%), tronco posterior (77,86%) y anterior (74,81%). El subtipo predominante fue el AF asociado a síntomas sistémicos (59,12%). Entre los síntomas sistémicos destacó la sintomatología general (97,06%). El tratamiento más prevalente fue la corticoterapia sistémica (81,03%). La repercusión del AF en la calidad de vida se reportó en 2 pacientes. Como conclusiones, el AF predomina en los varones adolescentes con antecedentes de acné vulgar, afectando fundamentalmente a la cara y el tronco. La forma más frecuente es el AF con síntomas sistémicos. Para su tratamiento, los corticoides sistémicos son los fármacos más frecuentemente empleados. La repercusión del AF en la calidad de vida está infrarreportada (AU)

Acne fulminans is a severe and rare form of inflammatory acne. Lesion severity and subsequent scarring has a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. We conducted a narrative review of the literature on acne fulminans based on a search for relevant English- and Spanish-language articles published in Medline. We included case reports and case series. The main aim was to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with acne fulminans. A secondary aim was to determine whether quality of life was affected by the site or extent of lesions. We reviewed 91 articles describing 212 cases of acne fulminans. The mean age of the patients (91.94% male) was 16.6 years. A personal and family history of acne vulgaris was reported for 97.63% and 54.90% of patients, respectively. A trigger was identified in 44.79% of cases. The main cause was pharmacologic (96.63%) and the main drug isotretinoin (65.28%). The sites most often affected were the face (89.31%), the posterior trunk (77.86%), and the anterior trunk (74.81%). The predominant disease subtype was acne fulminans with systemic symptoms (59.12%), which were mostly general (97.06%). Systemic corticosteroids were the most widely used treatment (81.03%). The impact of the disease on quality of life was reported for 2 patients. In conclusion, acne fulminans mainly affects the face and trunk of male adolescents with a history of acne vulgaris. The main subtype was acne fulminans with systemic symptoms, and most patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids. The effect of acne fulminans on quality of life is underreported (AU)

[Translated article] Acne Fulminans: A Narrative Review / Acné fulminans: revisión narrativa de la literatura

Acne fulminans is a severe and rare form of inflammatory acne. Lesion severity and subsequent scarring has a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. We conducted a narrative review of the literature on acne fulminans based on a search for relevant English- and Spanish-language articles published in Medline. We included case reports and case series. The main aim was to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with acne fulminans. A secondary aim was to determine whether quality of life was affected by the site or extent of lesions. We reviewed 91 articles describing 212 cases of acne fulminans. The mean age of the patients (91.94% male) was 16.6 years. A personal and family history of acne vulgaris was reported for 97.63% and 54.90% of patients, respectively. A trigger was identified in 44.79% of cases. The main cause was pharmacologic (96.63%) and the main drug isotretinoin (65.28%). The sites most often affected were the face (89.31%), the posterior trunk (77.86%), and the anterior trunk (74.81%). The predominant disease subtype was acne fulminans with systemic symptoms (59.12%), which were mostly general (97.06%). Systemic corticosteroids were the most widely used treatment (81.03%). The impact of the disease on quality of life was reported for 2 patients. In conclusion, acne fulminans mainly affects the face and trunk of male adolescents with a history of acne vulgaris. The main subtype was acne fulminans with systemic symptoms, and most patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids. The effect of acne fulminans on quality of life is underreported (AU)

El acné fulminans (AF) es una forma rara y grave de acné inflamatorio. La intensidad de las lesiones cutáneas y las cicatrices secundarias impactan negativamente en la calidad de vida. Presentamos una revisión narrativa de casos de AF publicados en Medline. Se incluyeron artículos escritos en lengua castellana o inglesa, que reportasen casos aislados o series de casos de AF, de los que se recogieron variables clínico-demográficas. El objetivo principal de la revisión fue describir las características clínico-demográficas del AF. Secundariamente se pretendió determinar si la localización o la extensión lesional repercuten en la calidad de vida. Se revisaron 212 casos de AF incluidos en 91 artículos (edad media: 16,6 años, 91,94% varones). El 97,63% de los pacientes presentaron acné previo al brote de AF y el 54,90% contaba con antecedentes familiares de acné. En el 44,79% existió un factor desencadenante de AF (98,63% farmacológico: 65,28% isotretinoína). Las localizaciones más habitualmente afectas fueron cara (89,31%), tronco posterior (77,86%) y anterior (74,81%). El subtipo predominante fue el AF asociado a síntomas sistémicos (59,12%). Entre los síntomas sistémicos destacó la sintomatología general (97,06%). El tratamiento más prevalente fue la corticoterapia sistémica (81,03%). La repercusión del AF en la calidad de vida se reportó en 2 pacientes. Como conclusiones, el AF predomina en los varones adolescentes con antecedentes de acné vulgar, afectando fundamentalmente a la cara y el tronco. La forma más frecuente es el AF con síntomas sistémicos. Para su tratamiento, los corticoides sistémicos son los fármacos más frecuentemente empleados. La repercusión del AF en la calidad de vida está infrarreportada (AU)

Cutaneous Manifestations of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use in Bodybuilders and the Dermatologist's Role in Patient Care.

Young adults have been increasingly facing pressure to achieve an appealing athletic physique, often influenced by social media influencers on platforms like Instagram. This viewpoint highlights the association between image-centric social media, dissatisfied body image, the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) to achieve desired results, and the overlooked dermatological side effects of AAS, including acne and acne fulminans. We underscore the importance of recognizing acne fulminans as an indicator of possible AAS abuse and encourage dermatologists to actively identify and address AAS use to improve their patients' well-being.

[Translated article] Acne Fulminans: A Narrative Review.

Acne fulminans is a severe and rare form of inflammatory acne. Lesion severity and subsequent scarring has a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. We conducted a narrative review of the literature on acne fulminans based on a search for relevant English- and Spanish-language articles published in Medline. We included case reports and case series. The main aim was to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with acne fulminans. A secondary aim was to determine whether quality of life was affected by the site or extent of lesions. We reviewed 91 articles describing 212 cases of acne fulminans. The mean age of the patients (91.94% male) was 16.6 years. A personal and family history of acne vulgaris was reported for 97.63% and 54.90% of patients, respectively. A trigger was identified in 44.79% of cases. The main cause was pharmacologic (96.63%) and the main drug isotretinoin (65.28%). The sites most often affected were the face (89.31%), the posterior trunk (77.86%), and the anterior trunk (74.81%). The predominant disease subtype was acne fulminans with systemic symptoms (59.12%), which were mostly general (97.06%). Systemic corticosteroids were the most widely used treatment (81.03%). The impact of the disease on quality of life was reported for two patients. In conclusion, acne fulminans mainly affects the face and trunk of male adolescents with a history of acne vulgaris. The main subtype was acne fulminans with systemic symptoms, and most patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids. The effect of acne fulminans on quality of life is under-reported.

Acne Fulminans: A Narrative Review. / Acné fulminans: revisión narrativa de la literatura.

Acne fulminans is a severe and rare form of inflammatory acne. Lesion severity and subsequent scarring has a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. We conducted a narrative review of the literature on acne fulminans based on a search for relevant English- and Spanish-language articles published in Medline. We included case reports and case series. The main aim was to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with acne fulminans. A secondary aim was to determine whether quality of life was affected by the site or extent of lesions. We reviewed 91 articles describing 212 cases of acne fulminans. The mean age of the patients (91.94% male) was 16.6 years. A personal and family history of acne vulgaris was reported for 97.63% and 54.90% of patients, respectively. A trigger was identified in 44.79% of cases. The main cause was pharmacologic (96.63%) and the main drug isotretinoin (65.28%). The sites most often affected were the face (89.31%), the posterior trunk (77.86%), and the anterior trunk (74.81%). The predominant disease subtype was acne fulminans with systemic symptoms (59.12%), which were mostly general (97.06%). Systemic corticosteroids were the most widely used treatment (81.03%). The impact of the disease on quality of life was reported for 2 patients. In conclusion, acne fulminans mainly affects the face and trunk of male adolescents with a history of acne vulgaris. The main subtype was acne fulminans with systemic symptoms, and most patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids. The effect of acne fulminans on quality of life is underreported.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors and acne fulminans: Friend or foe?

Acne fulminans (AF) is an uncommon variant of inflammatory acne with abrupt eruption of painful nodules, pustules, and hemorrhagic ulcerations, often associated with systemic symptoms. Paradoxical adverse reactions to tumor necrosis (TNF)-alpha inhibitors have been reported, and rare cutaneous complications include pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet syndrome-like hypersensitivity eruptions, and pustular folliculitis. We report an unusual case of AF in a patient with Crohn disease that worsened with doses of adalimumab, which is considered a second-line treatment for AF. This case highlights that acneiform eruptions may be an underreported paradoxical adverse reaction to anti-TNF alpha therapy.

Use of Interleukin-12/23 Inhibitor for the Management of Acne Fulminans.

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare disorder marked by severe eruptions of inflamed nodules, hemorrhagic crusts, and ulcers accompanied by systemic symptoms and often laboratory abnormalities. Commonly affecting adolescent males with pre-existing acne, AF has been associated with isotretinoin therapy and elevated testosterone levels. With unknown pathogenesis, lesions frequently involve the trunk and face and are managed standardly with corticosteroids and isotretinoin. Uncontrolled or recurrent cases pose challenges due to prolonged high-dose corticosteroid use with increased scarring. In this study, we present a case of AF in a 17-year-old male unresponsive to corticosteroid and isotretinoin therapy, successfully treated with ustekinumab, an interleukin (IL)-12/23 inhibitor. The introduction of ustekinumab facilitated a controlled corticosteroid taper and isotretinoin dose escalation, resulting in significant clinical improvement of skin lesions and systemic symptoms. This case report underscores the potential of ustekinumab as a viable therapeutic option in the treatment of AF, particularly in cases where corticosteroid and isotretinoin combination therapy have proven ineffective.

Acne fulminans and its multiple associated factors: a systematic review.

Acne fulminans (AF) is a severe form of acne that presents with an outburst of haemorrhagic pustules and ulcerations, which may or may not be associated with systemic symptoms and laboratory abnormalities. In the latest classification, four variants of AF are considered, but this does not include AF associated with systemic therapies and inherited genetic syndromes. To systematically review disease features and evaluate differences among AF. Related articles were searched using the terms "acne fulminans", "acne conglobata with septicaemia", "acute febrile ulcerative acne" and "pseudo acne fulminans". We searched Medline and Google Scholar from inception to 1977 to identify case reports, case series, commentaries and reviews reporting new AF cases. A total of 98 articles met our inclusion criteria. AF induced by higher levels of androgens more frequently presented nodules and cysts than erosions, crusted and haemorrhagic lesions and necrosis. In contrast, patients affected by AF without any apparent cause (referred to here as "miscellaneous AF") more frequently presented with ulcerations and erosions, and patients with AF associated with systemic treatment showed a similar frequency of lesions. Notably, AF in patients with high levels of androgens and AF induced by antibiotics rarely showed comedones. In addition, aseptic osteolytic lesions were more common in miscellaneous AF than other AF. AF may present with differences in clinical and laboratory features and associated systemic illnesses, which should be evaluated for the planning of a personalized therapeutic scheme. We propose a classification of AF, according to its association with certain factors.

Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Cranial Vault in an Adolescent Female: A Case Report.

We report an 18-year-old female patient who developed left temporal headache and fever one month after administration of isotretinoin for acne. Imaging studies demonstrated osteolytic change in the left frontal bone, and the lesion showed gadolinium contrast enhancement. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of osteomyelitis, and the symptoms improved after 8 months of medication with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, the pain recurred when isotretinoin was resumed. Isotretinoin sometimes causes excessive inflammation, which may have been the reason for the osteomyelitis in this case. Although osteomyelitis is usually caused by bacterial infection, a non-bacterial mechanism should also be suspected if the condition is resistant to antibiotics.

A Case of Acne Fulminans.

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare form of acne vulgaris. The diagnosis can be mistaken for other skin infections and delay treatment, placing patients at risk for scarring and psychological distress. This case report presents a patient previously treated for COVID-19 and subsequent pneumonia. COVID-19 restrictions in the clinic setting, including mask-wearing and isolation protocols, accounted for the suboptimal assessment of the patient's skin, which ultimately prolonged the diagnosis. This case report reviews AF from a primary care perspective and highlights clinical manifestations, physical examination findings, and management of AF.

Acne Fulminans Induced by Lymecycline in a Patient with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Case Report.

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare and severe form of inflammatory acne that typically occurs in male adolescents with acne vulgaris and is characterized by the sudden onset of painful, bleeding, and ulcerated lesions. It has been described very rarely in association with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Its onset may be induced by drugs, particularly isotretinoin. We present a case of a 16-year-old patient with HS who developed AF following initiation of antibiotic therapy with lymecycline. In the literature, only 2 patients who developed a coexistence of AF and HS have been reported, and there are only 2 other similar cases of AF induced by doxycycline and lymecycline. We consider our case to be of particular interest not only because of the very rare concomitant presence of AF and HS but also because AF was induced by lymecycline, a drug commonly used to treat both acne and HS, and described only once as a drug responsible for AF, so it is an aspect that deserves to be considered by the clinician dealing with similar conditions.

Severe acne and its variants: Exploring its natural history and heritability.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris varies in clinical severity, from minimal comedonal disease to severe hemorrhagic and ulcerative lesions with scarring. While a family history confers a higher risk for developing acne, the correlation between heritability and clinical severity remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To examine the natural history and heritability of severe acne with scarring in patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy. METHODS: A total of 101 subjects with severe acne with scarring and its variants, including acne conglobata and acne fulminans, were enrolled. All subjects and adult family members underwent an interview regarding their acne, and a corresponding "historical" Investigator's Global Assessment (hIGA) score (0 = clear, 1 = almost clear, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, 4 = severe, 5 = very severe) was assigned. Study assessors performed an "examination" Investigator's Global Assessment (eIGA) based on the clinical examination of each subject (0 = clear, 1 = almost clear, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, 4 = severe, 5 = very severe). A detailed family history and pedigree were documented. RESULTS: Most subjects were Caucasian (44.5%) and male (79.2%) who had previously used doxycycline and/or minocycline (86.1%). The mean eIGA and hIGA scores were 2.7 and 4.4, respectively. 37.2% of subjects had one first-degree relative with a history of moderate or severe acne with scarring; of note, of the patients with hemorrhagic disease, 30% had at least one parent with moderate or severe acne. CONCLUSIONS: Severe forms of acne often "cluster" in families, underscoring the heritable nature of acne and the prognostic value of a family history of moderate or severe disease.

Dapsona como opción terapéutica en el tratamiento de acné fulminans por isotretinoína / Dapsone as a therapeutic option in the treatment of acne fulminans by isotretinoin

Acné fulminans es una afección poco frecuente caracterizada por la rápida aparición de lesiones nodulares e inflamatorias en pecho, espalda, cuello y hombros que progresan a úlceras necróticas con secreción purulenta, costras sanguíneas, cicatrices hipertróficas, y que además, puede asociar sintomatología sistémica. Afecta principalmente a pacientes adolescentes de sexo masculino, su etiopatogenia no está completamente elucidada y mecanismos de origen inmunológico, genético, infeccioso u hormonal han sido propuestos como posible causa. Existen también algunos casos relacionados al uso de isotretinoína debido probablemente a la fragilidad del folículo piloso que esta droga produce y que exacerba las reacciones de hipersensibilidad (tipo III y IV) tras un extenso contacto con P. acnes. Sin embargo, la ausencia de pautas clínicas claras o información basada en evidencia sobre la clasificación y tratamiento, complejiza el manejo de esta patología especialmente cuando es inducida por isotretinoína. A continuación se describe el caso de un adolescente con diagnóstico de acné fulminante inducido por isotretinoína sin síntomas sistémicos, que fue tratado con dapsona. (AU)

Acne fulminans is a rare condition characterized by an abrupt onset of nodular and inflammatory lesions on the chest, back, neck and shoulders that rapidly progress to necrotic ulcers with purulent discharge, blood crusts and hypertrophic scars and it may or may not be associated with systemic symptoms. It affects mainly young male patients and the etiopathogenesis is not completely elucidated and immunological, genetic, infectious or hormonal mechanisms have been proposed. There are also a few acne fulminans’s clinical cases related to the use of oral isotretinoin probably due to the fragility of the pilosebaceous epithelium induced by this drug, that exacerbate hypersensitivity reactions (type III and IV) after a extensive contact with P. acnes. However, the limited evidence-based information and the lack of clear guidelines on its etiology, classification and treatment complicate the clinical management of the disease, especially when it’s induced by isotretinoin. Here is described the case of a young male patient with isotretinoin-induced acne fulminans without systemic symptoms, which was treated with dapsone. (AU)

Successful Treatment of Coexistent Acne Fulminans and Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Adalimumab.

The coexistence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and acne fulminans (AF) has only recently been reported in the literature. We present a case of a 17-year-old man who presented with a 2 years history of severe acne and HS. He was initially started on oral clindamycin and rifampicin for 3 months with no clinical improvement. Acne lesions became worse with the presence of nodules and necrotic ulcers, while weight loss, low-grade fever, back and knee pain, and psychological distress were noted. We prescribed adalimumab in its standard dosing regimen. Remission of AF was achieved in 3 months, whereas adalimumab has not been as effective in treating the HS lesions. Its dosage was increased to 80 mg weekly and more than 80% clinical improvement of HS lesions was obtained in 2 months. The patient maintained on this dosage till this day and efficacy is sustained. TNF-α inhibitors are considered an effective option in the treatment of HS, while it has been also suggested as a treatment option in AF. Our patient was successfully treated with adalimumab. Since the coexistence of HS and AF has a devastating emotional effect on the patient, there is an urgent need to implement therapeutic approaches.

Adalimumab in the Management of Isotretinoin-Induced Acne Fulminans: Report of a Case.

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare, acute, and severe form of acne vulgaris often associated with systemic symptoms. Its treatment is challenging and controversial. We report a case of isotretinoin-induced AF (IIAF) in a 12-year-old boy resistant to traditional therapies (oral steroids and isotretinoin). The patient was successfully treated with adalimumab that can be considered an effective off-label option in the treatment of resistant IIAF in children.

Acne in the first three decades of life: An update of a disorder with profound implications for all decades of life.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory, skin condition that involves the pilosebaceous follicles and is influenced by a variety of factors including genetics, androgen-stimulation of sebaceous glands with abnormal keratinization, colonization with Cutibacterium acnes (previously called Propionibacterium acnes), and pathological immune response to inflammation. Acne can occur at all ages and this discussion focuses on the first three decades of life. Conditions that are part of the differential diagnosis and/or are co-morbid with acne vulgaris are also considered. Acne in the first year of life includes neonatal acne (acne neonatorum) that presents in the first four weeks of life and infantile acne that usually presents between 3 and 6 months of the first year of life with a range of 3 to 16 months after birth. Acne rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory, skin condition that is distinct from acne vulgaris, typically presents in adults, and has four main types: erythemato-telangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous and ocular. Treatment options for acne vulgaris include topical retinoids, topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics (topical, oral), oral contraceptive pills, isotretinoin, and others. Management must consider the increasing impact of antibiotic resistance in the 21st century. Psychological impact of acne can be quite severe and treatment of acne includes awareness of the potential emotional toll this disease may bring to the person with acne as well as assiduous attention to known side effects of various anti-acne medications (topical and systemic). Efforts should be directed at preventing acne-caused scars and depigmentation on the skin as well as emotional scars within the person suffering from acne.

SAPHO syndrome: the supposed trigger by isotretinoin, the efficacy of adalimumab and the specter of depressive disorder: a case report.

BACKGROUND: SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustolosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory chronic disorder, presenting with non-infectious osteitis, sterile joint inflammation and skin manifestations including palmoplantar pustolosis and severe acne. It could be often misdiagnosed for its heterogeneous clinical presentation. Treatment is challenging and, due to the rarity of this syndrome, no randomized controlled clinical trials have been conducted. Empirical treatments, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, antibiotics and bisphosphonates and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) could be quite effective. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents and interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonists have shown promising results in refractory patients. Isotretinoin, commonly used for severe acne, has been rarely described as possible trigger of osteo-articular manifestations, in particular sacroiliitis. CASE PRESENTATION: The case of a boy, affected by acne fulminans and depression, who presented with sacroiliitis after a 10-week treatment with isotretinoin is presented. After SAPHO diagnosis, NSAIDs therapy was started but the onset of bilateral gluteal hidradenitis suppurativa required the switch to a TNF-α antagonist (Adalimumab) with the achievement of a good control of the disease. Despite specific therapy with sertraline, the patient continued to complains severe depression. CONCLUSIONS: Our case reports a temporal association between the onset of osteo-articular symptoms and the introduction of isotretinoin, as previously described. However, this timeline is not sufficient to establish a causal role of this drug into the pathogenesis of sacroiliitis. At this regard, further studies are required. The occurrence of hidradenitis suppurativa during SAPHO course supported the introduction of TNF-α blockers with a favourable result, as reported in a few cases in literature. The association between SAPHO syndrome and depressive mood disorders is already reported. Our patient experienced severe depression whose trend seems to be independent from the course of the main disease. Currently, it is not clarified if depression could be considered reactive to the underling disease or if it forms an integral part of the autoinflammatory disorder.

Acne fulminans concomitant with vasculitis-like symptoms mimicking Henoch-Schoenlein purpura.

Acne fulminans is a severe form of acne vulgaris accompanied by systemic symptoms. A 17-year-old Chinese boy presented with an outbreak of necrotic lesions on his face eight days after the onset of palpable purpura, arthralgia, fever, abdominal pain, and proteinuria. He was successfully treated with oral prednisolone and isotretinoin. Vasculitis-like symptoms are rarely reported in acne fulminans; therefore, the physician needs to maintain awareness of this uncommon presentation.