Cystic Acne: Types, Prevention and Treatment
What is cystic acne?
Inflammatory acne of the cystic variety results in the formation of painful, pus-filled nodules deep beneath the skin. When dead skin cells and oil clog skin pores, acne develops.
Additionally, bacteria enter the pores with cystic acne, resulting in swelling or inflammation. The most severe form of acne is cystic. Acne cysts frequently hurt and are more likely to leave scars.
What distinguishes an acne nodule from an acne cyst?
Cystic acne and nodular acne are extremely comparable. Both result in large, uncomfortable lumps under the skin. Both can leave scars. Among the variations are:
Plus, a fluid, is contained within acne cysts.
Since they do not contain any fluid, acne nodules are more substantial and durable than acne cysts.
Why does cystic acne appear?
The most serious form of acne is cystic. Cysts that form deep beneath your skin cause it to manifest. This may happen because of a buildup of germs, oil, and dry skin cells in your pores.
Although everyone can get acne, persons with oily skin are more likely to get cystic acne. Hormonal imbalances are more prevalent in older persons, women, and teenagers.
Cystic acne typically gets better with age. But the uncomfortable and obstinate bumps will not go gone by themselves. Your dermatologist is your best bet if you think you could have cystic acne. They can provide you with the medication you need to clear up your skin.
Understanding cystic acne
Cystic acne tends to be the most severe form of acne as well as the largest in size. Further down inside the skin, it is. The skin’s surface is covered by all other sorts.
On the skin, cystic acne frequently appears as boils. Other distinguishing qualities are:
- big cyst loaded with pus.
- huge white lump that is red and tender or uncomfortable to touch
On a person’s face, acne cysts are likely to be the most apparent. However, they are also typical on the arms, back, neck, and chest. Even the shoulders and the area behind the ears might experience cystic acne.
How to shrink cystic pimples?
Cystic acne is brought on by clogged, irritated, and bacterially colonized skin pores. The swelling can be reduced, and keeping the region clean may aid in the reduction of the pimple’s size.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests the following for doing this at home:
- Cleaning the area
To get rid of any makeup, oil, or grime, wash your face with a mild, pH-balanced cleanser.
Apply ice to the pimple for 5–10 minutes by wrapping an ice cube or cool pack in a cloth. Repeat after a ten-minute pause.
Utilising a topical remedy Utilise a product with 2% benzoyl peroxide. Antibacterial benzoyl peroxide is used in over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments.
- Applying a warm compress:
Apply a warm compress as soon as a white spot, often known as a whitehead, appears in the cyst’s center. By soaking a clean towel in hot water and applying it gently to the zit for 10 to 15 minutes, people can create a warm compress. To heal the pimple, repeat this procedure 3–4 times daily.
These actions will lessen pain and swelling, which can cause the zit to become smaller and heal more quickly. However, since cystic acne is more difficult to cure once it has developed, prevention is frequently the best course of action.
What to avoid
- It is crucial to be careful with the skin when a cystic pimple heals.
- Try not to pinch, pick, or pop a cystic pimple.
While it may be alluring, popping a pimple increases the risk of scarring, slows healing, forces the infection deeper into the skin, and introduces additional germs into the pore.
In addition to not popping pimples, the AAD recommends that people refrain from:
Excessively stroking the face and rubbing the skin with abrasive skin care products, especially those that contain alcohol sunbathing outdoors or in tanning beds using toothpaste or other DIY solutions that can be purchased online.
Many at-home treatments for acne are not supported by solid research. Some might not work, while others might cause more harm than good. Therefore, it is recommended to heed the counsel of a board-certified dermatologist or other reliable sources.
Alternative therapies
Over-the-counter (OTC) acne medications are inadequate for treating cystic acne because of its severity. This means that to obtain prescription drugs, you must visit a dermatologist. You could not notice the full effects for up to eight weeks, depending on the type of treatment utilized.
The following treatments for cystic acne are something you should discuss with your doctor. Some circumstances call for a combination of treatments.
- Isotretinoin
The most efficient form of treatment for cystic acne is isotretinoin (Accutane), a potent prescription drug. It is made from a potent version of vitamin A that is taken daily in tablet form.
Improvements are felt by about 85% of those who take it within four to six months. Despite its effectiveness, isotretinoin carries several significant hazards. If you encounter any of the following, consult your doctor:
- New or deteriorating mood problems
- inflammation of the colon
- chronic headaches or bleeding nose
- bruises, skin irritation, blood in the urine, and pain in the muscles and joints
- Antacids are taken orally.
If cystic acne affects a significant portion of your skin, oral antibiotics may be used to treat it. These operate by reducing the germs and inflammation that may be causing the development of cystic acne. Antibiotics do not, however, treat excessive oil production or dead skin cells.
Due to worries about bacterial resistance, antibiotics should only be taken temporarily. Your doctor will advise you to begin taking isotretinoin if antibiotics are ineffective.
Oral antibiotic side effects could include the following:
- abdomen ache
- diarrhea
- nausea
- Exposure to the sun
- vomiting
- Topical retinoids
Additionally generated from vitamin A are topical retinoids. These, however, lack isotretinoin’s potency quite a little. These treat and prevent severe acne by unplugging hair follicles.
To increase the effectiveness of topical antibiotics, retinoids are occasionally used with them. Topical retinoids are available as creams, gels, and lotions and can be applied every day.
While there is now one over-the-counter retinoid (adapalene), cystic acne often responds to prescription-strength medications exclusively.
These consist of:
- Avage
- Avita
- Differin
- Retin-A
- Tazorac
Topical retinoids may cause your skin to become red and even peel. Most of the time, these adverse effects pass when your skin adjusts to the drug. Wear sunscreen; retinoids may increase your susceptibility to sunburn.
- Spironolactone
Another prescription therapy option for cystic acne is spironolactone (Aldactone). It is typically used as a diuretic to assist in the treatment of edoema and high blood pressure. This medicine can treat acne by controlling levels of excess androgen that may be causing inflammatory acne. Only ladies with jawline or lower face acne often find it useful.
If you intend to become pregnant, you should not use spironolactone because it may result in birth abnormalities. Additionally, this drug should not be used by those who have kidney illness.
Researchers in one research from 2012 discovered that daily doses of 50–100 mg are most effective. However, exceeding 200 mg per day is not unusual.
This lessens the possibility of negative effects like:
- breast sensitivity
- dizziness
- fatigue
- headaches
- Hyperkalemia, a high blood potassium level
- irregular menstrual periods
- using oral contraceptives
For some women with cystic acne, oral contraceptives are a good alternative. This approach is particularly useful if you frequently get acne cysts when your hormone levels fluctuate because of your monthly cycle.
Oestrogen, a hormone that might help balance overall hormone levels and even lessen acne, is a component of birth control pills. Oral contraceptives are not right for everyone, though. If you smoke, have blood clots, or are attempting to get pregnant, these medications might not be suitable for you.
What do you need to ask the doctor:
If any of the following occur, contact your healthcare professional right away:
- uncomfortable, red, and swollen zits.
- scars or acne that makes you feel ashamed.
- Skin infection symptoms.
- What inquiries ought I to make of my physician?
You might wish to inquire with your doctor about:
- What triggers acne cysts?
- What is the ideal therapy for cystic acne?
- What negative consequences do treatments have?
- What can I do to lessen my risk of developing acne cysts?
- How can I avoid developing scars or other problems?
