What medical term is used to describe the most serious form of acne, characterized by large cysts?

Nodulocystic acne is the medical term used to describe the most severe form of acne, characterized by the presence of large cysts. This form of acne is notable for the deep, painful cysts that can develop beneath the skin, often leading to significant inflammation and scarring. Nodulocystic acne occurs when the follicular walls rupture, causing inflammation and formation of cysts, which can impact larger areas of the skin.

The other terms do not specifically encapsulate this severity and cystic nature of acne. Moderate acne typically refers to a less severe classification and does not involve the deep cystic formations characteristic of nodulocystic acne. Severe acne may describe a significant situation but lacks the specificity of the term nodulocystic, which precisely identifies the presence of large cysts. Folliculitis refers to inflammation of the hair follicles and is a different condition altogether, usually involving pustules rather than large cystic lesions.