Cystic Acne: What is Cystic Acne and How Do I Get Rid of It?

Acne is a skin condition that affects an individuals external appearance and internal emotional and psychological stress. Cystic acne is one of the worst forms of this skin condition as well at one of the most difficult to treat. Individuals who suffer from these deep and painful nodules are often desperate to find a cure that works for them. Unfortunately, many turned to over-the-counter medications and believe some of the advertising that manufacturers use to draw in more customers.

While this condition is troublesome, painful and acutely embarrassing it is not a serious medical condition. However, left untreated or treated poorly, it can leave permanent scar tissue that will only resolve with coverup makeup. As well as permanent skin scars the condition can also significantly affect the psychological makeup and development of young teenagers.

Most often cystic acne forms over the face but it can also occur on the back, chest, buttocks and thighs. These nodules are deep, large and painful and do not usually develop into whiteheads. Because they are the most severe form of acne, and lead to scarring and pitting, they should be treated by an experienced dermatologist at once.

In some cases cystic acne can be described as a localized infection or abscess that develops under the skin. Most often it is common in teenagers and develops in oil docs that become clogged and infected. However, this infection is much deeper than the usual pimple and doesn't usually "rise to the surface" like a regular whitehead. These nodules also can last for months instead of days or weeks.

If left untreated the nodule may not resolve on its own which can flare up again and again over time. Never attempt to squeeze this type of pimple because it drives the infection even further into the dermal layer. They are filled with pus and usually are at least 5 mm or more across. Most of them also have a red or purple hue around the nodule.

People who suffer from cystic acne usually have other forms of acne as well that can be mild, moderate or severe. If you believe you may have a cystic nodule it is important to make an appointment with a dermatologist as quickly as possible. If you are not already a patient of a dermatologist you will find that the waiting time can be a couple of months before you're able to get in.

Your dermatologist will be able to give you the best option available for your particular skin type, any other acne involvement and the number of cystic nodules you have. Most of the times a dermatologist will inject the nodule with cortisone to decrease the inflammation and speed the healing process. This also decreases the risk of scarring.

At home, you may use several different treatment options that may help your the first involves the juicing a fresh apricot and applying it over the skin. This will often help bring relief from the pain and because it is apricots have an anti-inflammatory effect it can also decrease the swelling. Try leaving the juice on the face for several hours before bedtime.

Another option is the use of high grade tea tree oil which has a natural antibiotic properties and will go beneath the layers of the skin and penetrate the cyst.

Once you reach the dermatologist and receive an injection or are placed on oral treatments they will evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment protocols. If the cyst does not resolve the physician may drain it under sterile technique in the office. This should NEVER be attempted at home because it can result in significant infection and unfortunate scarring.

Individuals who suffer from cystic acne must be careful with their skin cleansing routine, foods that they come in contact with, and other medical treatments which may trigger an outbreak. Combining good nutrition, proper cleansing and treatment by an experienced dermatologist most individuals are able to reduce the number of cystic acne outbreaks they suffer significantly.

At Mason Ohio Salon we help our clients look their best!