Cystic Acne: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatments

Being someone who was troubled by acne from the tween years (yea, tween it is. From the age of 11 and 12), it has always been a topic on which my research continues. I am always on the look out for acne cures and scar treatments. There are different types of acne – hormonal, unhygienic skin and genetical.

What is Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne or nodulocystic acne is the worst form of acne vulgaris. Red and deep inflamed breakouts are the characteristic features of this type of acne. The blemishes they leave behind are intense too. They can develop on face as well as body.

The cysts are usually filled with pus and are painful. They take anywhere from a week to 15 days to reduce with proper medication.

Who gets cystic acne?

This acne can affect anybody, more of teenagers as the hormones are in transition stage in teenage.

Why cystic acne?

Cystic acne is mainly caused by the following three reasons:

1. Clogged pores – pores clogged with dead cells and impurities
2. Overactive oil glands – secretion of sebum in increased state will affect these clogged pores and initiate the trapping of more dirt
3. Presence of acne causing bacteria – propionibacteria acnes

As per popular belief, acne isn’t caused by lack of personal hygiene. In fact, people who suffer from acne take great care to keep their skin clean and away from dirt than others in an attempt to curb acne.

Also, diet isn’t really a source or a concern. But dairy products might be a cause trouble as the farm animals are usually injected with hormones to up the milk production and these hormones might aggravate acne.

Cystic Acne Treatment

I’ll be honest, if you suffer from this kind of acne which Is highly dependent on your hormones, then I am sorry to say there might not be any permanent cure from home remedies. Throw out the lemon juices and multani mitti, they are for the people who get a pimple or two once a while.

People with cystic acne require a careful skin care regime to combat two things – get rid of the scarring and prevent new acne break out as much as you can. And this, my friend, cannot be achieved over the counter. You need a derma prescribed arsenal full of oral and topical treatments.

The dermatologists usually prescribe

1. Retinoids
2. Oral antibiotics
3. Accutane
4. Oral contraceptives – for women
5. Surgical excision and drainage – Cleaning the cysts – injection to bring the pus out – a very painful procedure
6. Laser treatment

Cystic Acne Home Treatment

While these are the medicinal ways of combating acne, you can try controlling them with some very effective personal care practices.

1. Use products formulated for acne control. Products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are usually known to zap acne.
2. Always make sure you use a fresh laundry to wash face.
3. Change pillow covers every day.
4. Don’t share your makeup and makeup tools with anybody.
5. Don’t pick on your skin or touch it unnecessarily.
6. Use a hand sanitizer.
7. Use blotting papers and cleanser pads.
8. Make sure your cosmetics are not triggering you acne.
9. Drink lots of water.
10. Exercise regularly.

These simple yet effective tips are handy in controlling cystic acne.

So girls, let me know how you deal with acne.