successful management of acne fulminans with combination of minocycline and dapsone

Acne fulminans is a rare and unique variant of acne vulgaris and is characterized by a sudden, violent onset of tender, nodulo-cystic and ulcerocrusted lesions over the back and chest, with fever, arthralgia and weight loss, affecting predominantly adolescent males. The exact etiopathogenesis is unknown although a hypersensitivity reaction is the most accepted hypothesis. Systemic steroids alone or in combination with isotretinoin are the cornerstones of its treatment. The successful management of Acne fulminans in an Indian boy with a combination of minocycline (200 mg once a day) and dapsone (200 mg once a day) daily is reported. The efficacy of minocycline as an alternative to steroids in the management of acne fulminans is highlighted.