[Systemic inflammatory reactions and extracutaneous manifestations of acne vulgaris]

166 patients suffering from acne of different severity were examined with regard to associated systemic manifestations. 74 of the patients showed acne conglobata, 12 acne tetrade, 11 acne fulminans, and 69 acne papulopustulosa. Subjective symptoms like weakness, fever, and arthralgia, as well as unspecific serological inflammatory parameters and internal symptoms were taken into consideration. Acne papulopustulosa was not associated with any internal symptoms. Such extracutaneous reactions were observed, however, in severe forms of acne as in acne tetrade or acne conglobata (41% vs 17%). Acne fulminans revealed musculoskeletal manifestations and severe inflammatory signs in the blood. The high rate of kidney involvement with severe inflammatory types of acne was alarming. Three patients developed on acute glomerulonephritis, which evolved into a chronic form in two patients.