Acne inversa
Causes &
symptoms
Usually, acne inversa initially appears in the form of red nodules no bigger than the size of a pea, which later develop into larger skin nodules and finally into abscesses, i.e. pus-filled cavities on the skin. Some of these are connected to each other by so-called fistulas, tubular cavities. Abscesses and fistulas can recur several times and leave scars when they heal, which may then restrict the patient's mobility.
Inflammatory lumps on the skin
A connection can also be established between the skin disease and various concomitant diseases: those affected by acne inversa often also suffer from metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes and elevated blood lipid levels. People with the skin disease tend to also be more susceptible to further chronic inflammatory diseases, such as bowel diseases, pilonidal cysts and rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, depression may occur, due to the external impairments caused by the inflammatory lumps on the skin, scarring and the odour created by the accumulation of pus, among other things.
STAGE 1
Isolated or small abscesses without cavities and scarring
STAGE 2
Recurrent abscesses, widely spaced lesions with initial formation of cavities
STAGE 3
Multiple contiguous cavities and abscesses over a wide area with signs of scarring and pus discharge
But what causes acne inversa?
Despite what some may like to think, acne inversa has nothing to do with poor hygiene and the disease is also not infectious. The disease is actually often based on a hereditary predisposition. Furthermore, researchers are discussing whether it is possible that an immune system disorder can cause chronic acne inversa. Further risk factors include nicotine consumption, heavy sweating, obesity and mechanical irritation of the skin, caused by tight clothing for instance.
