Acne conglobata has been described as one of the worst forms of acne and generally only occurs in adult sufferers.  It may be said that the damage done in the teen years or lack of care in general builds up to a certain point for years before, therefore causing deeper seated problems and this rare form of acne.  Most suffer only from acne vulgaris, occasionally in severe forms.  But even the severe forms of acne vulgaris do not really compare to acne conglobata, which has only been effectively treated with Accutane up to this point. 

It is essentially seen and recognized, because it results in burrowing and interconnected abscesses which turn into large and irregular scarring, even if you take the best care possible in many cases.  Pustular acne may suddenly disappear and acne conglobata may suddenly appear.  But no one has really narrowed down the exact cause for it.  It has become more elusive even than acne vulgaris, for which the cause is also unknown.  But some have suggested that it may be hereditary or something that simply lies dormant for years at a time.

After it has already occurred, some dermatologists have cut out irregular scarring, which can leave scarring of its own.  But it is nothing compared to those of acne conglobata.  It is advised to keep pores clear and well taken care of.  But there is at this time no way to prevent or treat acne conglobata outside of Accutane.  It remains an elusive form.