[Results of multiple surgical therapy in pronounced acne conglobata]

Acne conglobata - hidradenitis suppurativa - as a particular form of acne vulgaris is, in its pronounced, chronic progressive form, incontrollable by conservative means. Smaller foci of infection need only a local excision of skin and subcutis followed by primary wound closure or secondary healing. When large areas are involved, a generous excision including removal of the fistula system is followed by a 1-3 week intermediary phase with hydrotherapy and antiseptic local treatment. Clean granulation is waited upon and covered in a second session with a skin grafting. In the area of joints, a third session with flap-plastic under sterile conditions is necessary, if limitations to motility are present or are threatened by scar contracture. From 1975-1982, 14 patients with pronounced acne conglobata were successfully treated by a surgical procedure in multiple sittings. All patients could, in this manner, be rehabilitated both professionally and socially.