Cystic Acne: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

cystic acne

What is Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne is characterized by large, red, and painful breakouts that penetrate deep into the skin.

Skin pores become clogged, usually with dead skin cells, and this results in the formation of pimples. Bacteria can also become trapped in the wound, causing it to become red and swollen as a result.

Also, Acute cystic acne develops when an infection spreads deep into your skin, resulting in a bump that is filled with pus. It may be painful or itchy. If a cyst ruptures, the infection may spread, resulting in additional breakouts.

You have the ability to treat these breakouts. Don’t make the mistake of trying to wait them out. Cystic acne is a chronic condition that can last for years. It has the potential to affect large areas of skin and leave scars. A dermatologist can assist you in devising a treatment plan for your skin condition.

Causes

Pimples are caused when pores in the skin become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can enter the skin pores and become trapped in the pores with the oil and skin cells, resulting in acne. Swelling occurs deep within the middle layer of the skin as a result of the skin reaction (the dermis). An acne cyst is a lump that is infected, red, and swollen.

The following are some of the causes of cystic acne:

Age is a factor (teenagers are more prone to cystic acne).
Cystic acne has been passed down through the family.
Hormone changes occur during the adolescent years and, in some cases, during menopause, as well as stress.

Also, Acne cysts look a lot like boils, a common skin illness. Acne cysts may manifest as:

A red, swollen lump under the surface of the skin.
Tenderness or pain in the touch
Pea-sized, or dime-sized.
Pupil gushing from a yellow-white pimple.
Crusty

Symptoms

Cystic acne is characterized by red, tender, raised, soft pimples on the face, chest, and/or back that are tender to the touch and swollen. Some of these may be accompanied by one or more pustules on top of them. In most cases, such lesions are tender and painful to the touch.

A variety of acne symptoms are present, depending on the severity of your condition:

Whiteheads are a type of acne (closed plugged pores)
Blackheads are a type of acne (open plugged pores)
Bulbs that are little, red, and sensitive (papules)
Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at the tips of their tips, are a type of acne.
Under the epidermis, there are large, firm, and painful lumps (nodules)
Lumps under the skin that are painful and packed with pus (cystic lesions)

Treatments

Acne cysts are notoriously tough to treat. You should seek treatment from a dermatologist rather than using over-the-counter acne remedies because they might leave scars on the skin. Visiting a dermatologist can provide you with information on how to manage cystic acne.

Acne cysts might take up to three months or more to clear up completely. The most common treatment involves the use of oral antibiotics as well as the application of topical gels or lotions that have been prescribed.

Treatments for cystic acne include the following:

Antibiotic creams, gels, solutions, and lotions are applied topically to kill bacteria and reduce swelling.
Azelaic acid (Azelex®, Finacea®) or salicylic acid can be used to destroy bacteria and exfoliate dead skin cells, respectively.
Benzoyl peroxide can help reduce the quantity of microorganisms on your skin by up to 90%.
Retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin, and tazarotene, among others) are vitamin A derivatives that aid in the removal of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.

Preventions

By following these methods, you can reduce your chances of developing acne:

After you get up in the morning, before going to bed, and after exercising or sweating, wash your face with a gentle foaming facial cleanser, lukewarm water, and your fingers (not a washcloth or sponge) to remove makeup and dirt.
If you’re feeling really dry, use an oil-free moisturizer.
Makeup and face products that are noncomedogenic (water-based) should be used.
Don’t go to sleep with your makeup on.
During the day, keep your hands away from your eyes and mouth.
Picking or popping pimples or scabs is not recommended.
Make sure to wash your hair on a regular basis and keep it away from your face, as hair can be oily.
Acne flare-ups can be exacerbated by working in an oily atmosphere, such as a fast food restaurant on occasion.
Diets high in simple carbohydrates and dairy, often known as a high glycemic index diet, may also have a role in the occurrence of flares.

A Guide to Home Remedies

It is possible to help prevent acne or to avoid it from growing worse by following some simple procedures.

Once a day, and after you have sweated, wash your skin. Make use of your fingertips as well as a mild cleaner. After rinsing with lukewarm water, pat dry.
Avoid exfoliating your skin or using irritating items such as exfoliants.
It is not recommended to touch cysts or pick at blemishes. You could end up pushing the illness deeper into the body and causing it to spread. Allowing blemishes to cure on their own, rather than popping or squeezing them, will reduce your chances of developing scars.
Keep out of the sun and away from tanning beds, as both can be harmful to your skin’s health.
Make an effort to relax. It is possible that stress will cause your body to generate more hormones, making your acne worse.
Maintain a healthy way of living. Get lots of rest and physical activity. According to some study, a low-glycemic diet, which restricts sugar intake, can help alleviate symptoms.

Getting rid of cystic acne can be a difficult task, and it may take several tries before you find the correct solution for your skin. Since every person’s skin reacts differently to treatment, it’s important to keep your dermatologist aware of any changes you notice in your skin after beginning acne treatment.