Cystic Acne Treatment

by Acne Treatment Skin Care on September 14, 2008

Treatments for Cystic Acne

Nobody really likes having acne, besides being physically uncomfortable, the experience can be socially embarrassing as well.  Almost everybody suffers from acne at one point or another in their life, and most of us don’t look back on those times when we have acne breakouts with fond memories.  There are two main categories of acne, and Cystic Acne is one of the most severe and painful kind.  It can be extremely irritating and hindering in your day to day life, as well as painful and difficult or almost impossible to hide.  By the time you’ve read this article, you’ll know a bit more the causes of cystic acne, and more importantly you’ll know some good cystic acne treatment to get rid of it for good.

What is Cystic Acne:

Cystic Acne is a form of very severe acne in the category called Acne Vulgaris.  This form of acne is characterized by cysts that are large and hard (often quite painful) bumps just underneath the surface of the skin and filled with pus.  Scarring is very common with cystic acne, but dermatology and other prompt treatment can help lessen the swelling and prevent the scarring.  Cystic acne is caused when the inflamed lesion or follicle of a normal acne whitehead or blackhead collapses on itself or explodes, which spills over and inflames the surface just under the skin that is surrounding it.  An extreme inflammatory reaction in the skin and tissue surrounding it causes a large pus-filled lesion to form, resulting in the body making a cyst around the invading material.

Cystic Acne Treatment:

Like most forms of acne, the most important treatment to talk about first is prevention.  By keeping your face clean and free of irritation, you can prevent the initial acne from even forming, and never give it a chance to break out into cystic acne.  Everyone knows tohugh that no matter how hard some people try, acne seems inevitable and hard to get rid of through those simple measures alone.  A wide variety of acne treatments have been recommended for cystic acne, and we’ll cover some of the most popular and effective here.

The most common method of cystic acne treatment and one that is always recommended first is the three-step acne fighting kits available over the counter.  Particularly 2.5 Benzoyl Peroxide has been a product proven again and again to lessen the severity of acne.  It oxygenates the skin and helps to break up the blockage in the pores and follicles that are responsible for acne.

Dermatologists can also prescribe varying drugs that can be taken internally for excellent results.  The most common drug prescribed by dermatologists is Isotretinoin which is commonly called Accutane on the market.  This is an oral drug that is usually taken once or twice a day with food for four to five months.  It reduces the size of the oil glands which then results in less blockage and clogging of the pores, making your face easier to keep dry and clean.  Many consumers have credited Accutane with ridding them of their acne forever, however there are some side effects to keep in mind.  The drug can on rare occasions have side effects ranging from mild to severe, but that include depression, mood swings, and suicidal ideation.  It’s important never to take prescription medication without first speaking to a doctor and going over your options, letting the medical professional decide what is right for you.

Another option is to undergo intralesional corticosteroid therapy.  This painless procedure is a shot where each cyst is given an injection of dilute cortisone solution.  The injections provide fast relief for the painful acne and often reduces it with a surprising quickness.  Usually, a distant last option is to undergo acne surgery on the advice of your skin doctor, usually undertaken by a cosmetic surgeon.  This option is rarely needed however, as more than 2/3rds of all acne can be cured with one of the first three treatments.

Cystic acne can be an embarrassing and painful part of your everyday life, but it doesn’t have to be.  There are cystic acne treatment options out there that run the whole range from fast and easy to professional level medical care.  Through informing yourself, you’ve already taken the first steps towards getting rid of acne in your life and moving into a more confident and more attractive you.  There are numerous resources on this website and elsewhere that can give you the tools and tips you need to take your life back in control, and get rid of your acne forever.