What Is Cystic Acne?: Everything You Need To Know

 What is Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne the most severe form of acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells build up deep within hair follicles.

The resulting rupture within your skin may form boil-like inflammation.

Cystic acne happens when this infection goes deep into your skin, creating a bump that's full of pus. It may hurt or itch. If a cyst bursts, the infection can spread, causing more breakouts.

You can treat these breakouts. Don’t try to wait them out. Cystic acne can last for years. It can affect large areas of your skin and leave scars. A dermatologist can help you with a treatment plan.

Cystic Acne

Causes of Cystic Acne:

• Overactive oil glands
• Excess dead skin cells within the hair follicle (pore), and
• A large number of acne-causing bacteria, Propionibacteria acnes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Certain medications
• Some skin products
• Clothing that’s too tight
• High humidity or sweating

Is it Cystic Acne or Something Else

Cystic acne tends to be the largest in size. It’s also deeper within the skin. All other types appear to rest on top of the skin’s surface.

other identification:

• small, deep pits, known as “ice-pick scars”
• larger pits
• shallow depressions in the skin
• red, raised scars

Most people with acne do not usually experience physical symptoms, but the skin’s appearance can cause emotional distress. In cystic acne, however, the distress may be greater, and the cysts may be painful.

Cystic Acne risk Factors

 Cystic Acne can affect anyone. You’re most likely to get cystic acne in your teens or before the age of 20. But it can happen to children as young as 8 or adults as old as 50. Your face, chest, back, upper arms, or shoulders can be affected.

If one of your parent affect with cystic acne so you have a higher chance to get affected from it.

Cystic Acne can Scar your Skin

Acne scars are caused by inflammatory acne lesions, such as papules, pustules, or cysts. According to Chang, there are several factors that contribute to the risk of developing scars. First, it may be genetic: if you have family members who have acne scars, you're at a higher risk of developing them too.

Out of all types of acne, cystic acne is the most likely to scar. You can reduce the risk of scarring by leaving all cysts alone. This means you can’t ever pick or pop cysts. Picking at this type of acne can also spread infections.

If you feel acne is greatly affecting the quality of your life, please talk to your doctor. Luckily, with treatment, most people find their self-confidence improves.

Treatment

Due to the severity of cystic acne, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for acne aren’t strong enough. This means you’ll need to see a dermatologist for prescription medications.

Don't be discouraged if the first treatment attempt fails. It may take several tries to find the treatment or combination of treatments that work for you. Some common treatments are:

• Oral antibiotics to help control bacteria and lower inflammation

• Birth control pills to regulate a woman’s hormones

• Benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria on your skin and fight inflammation

• Retinoid a form of vitamin A, in a cream, lotion, foam, or gel.

• Isotretinoin attacks all causes of acne. Women shouldn't get pregnant while taking this drug.

• Spironolactone to reduce excess oil. Doctors don’t prescribe it to men because of side effects such as breast growth.

• Steroids injected into cysts.

Home Remedies For Cystic Acne:

• Don’t scrub your skin or use irritating products like exfoliants.

• Don’t touch cysts or pick at blemishes. You might push the infection deeper and make it spread. Let blemishes heal on their own, instead of popping or squeezing them, to lower your risk of scars.

• Stay out of the sun and away from tanning beds, which can damage your skin.

• Wash your skin twice a day and after you sweat. Use your fingertips and a gentle cleanser. Rinse with lukewarm water.