Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 8, 2026

Author Spotlight: Development and Evaluation of a Compound Acne Rodent Model Using C. acnes and Oleic Acid
Published on: November 1, 2024
Acne inversa complicated by Actinomyces neuii
Jakob Nedomansky1, Doris Weiss2, Birgit Willinger3
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Introduction:
Acne inversa (AI) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease. It occurs in intertriginous areas of the skin and causes pain, drainage, malodor and scar formation. While supposedly caused by an autoimmune reaction, bacterial superinfection is a secondary event in the disease process.
Methods:
A unique case of a 43-year-old male patient suffering from a recurring AI lesion in the left axilla was retrospectively analysed.
Results:
A swab revealed Actinomyces neuii as the only agent growing in the lesion. The patient was then treated with Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid 3 × 1 g until he was cleared for surgical excision. The intraoperative swab was negative for A. neuii. Antibiotics were prescribed for another 4 weeks and the patient has remained relapse free for more than 12 months now.
Conclusion:
Primary cutaneous Actinomycosis is a rare entity and the combination of AI and Actinomycosis has never been reported before. Failure to detect superinfections of AI lesions with slow-growing pathogens like Actinomyces spp. might contribute to high recurrence rates after immunosuppressive therapy of AI. The present case underlines the potentially multifactorial pathogenesis of the disease and the importance of considering and treating potential infections before initiating immunosuppressive regimens for AI patients.
Insights
This case study identifies Actinomyces neuii as a rare cause of recurring acne inversa (AI). Prompt antibiotic treatment for this infection led to sustained remission, highlighting the importance of diagnosing superinfections in AI management.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acne inversa (AI) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting intertriginous areas.
- AI is characterized by pain, drainage, malodor, and scarring, often involving secondary bacterial superinfections.
- The pathogenesis of AI is thought to involve autoimmune reactions, but superinfections play a significant role.
Observation:
- A unique case involved a 43-year-old male with a recurring AI lesion in the left axilla.
- A bacterial swab identified Actinomyces neuii as the sole pathogen in the lesion.
Findings:
- The patient received Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, leading to lesion clearance and negative intraoperative swabs for A. neuii.
- Following a 4-week antibiotic course, the patient remained relapse-free for over 12 months post-surgical excision.
Implications:
- This case highlights the rare co-occurrence of AI and cutaneous Actinomycosis.
- Failure to identify slow-growing pathogens like Actinomyces spp. may increase AI recurrence rates, emphasizing the need for thorough infection workup before immunosuppressive therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Acne Infection
The Skin Microbiota
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria
