Acne conglobata (AC) is a chronic, severe, inflammatory variant of acne characterized by development of cystic nodules, abscesses and sinus tracts. AC may prove resistant to conventional acne therapy. The off-label use of adalimumab for the treatment of AC has been reported recently. We present a 26-year-old man with AC resistant to conventional treatment, who was treated with 40 mg adalimumab every other week, with significant clinical improvement. We review the evidence for the use of tumour necrosis factor antagonists in AC and related conditions. This case provides further evidence supporting the role of adalimumab in the treatment of AC.
© 2014 British Association of Dermatologists.