Acne fulminans in a patient with suspected bigorexia

Abstract

Introduction. Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases. Bodybuilding acne is the form of acne fulminans caused by use of anabolic agents to increase muscle mass. Bigorexia is a form of body dysmorphic disorder. Objective. To present the case of a patient with suspected bigorexia which led to the development of acne fulminans. Case report. A 21-year-old man was admitted to the Department of Dermatology with the diagnosis of acne fulminans and suspected bigorexia. Severe acne meaningfully diminished the Dermatology Life Quality Index and the psychophysical condition of the patient. Isotretinoin was introduced. The patient was given psychological and psychiatric advice. Conclusions. The patient represents a psychodermatology domain case. A dermatologist is often the first physician a patient with body dysmorphic disorder symptoms visit. Cooperation between dermatologists and psychiatrists in treating the patient may be a key to therapeutic success.