Treating Cystic Acne

If you have been diagnosed with or suspect that you might have cystic acne, you should be aware of treatment options, as well as what to avoid doing so that you can prevent acne and associated scarring.

Cystic acne is characterized by large irritated bumps on the skin, with the pustule buried beneath the surface. Cystic acne can often be very tender when touched. Unlike other forms of acne, which have a “head” and a means for the infected material in the pore to escape, cystic acne forms a hardened clump of sebum (or oil) too large to exit the pore. A bacterial infection occurs, because bacteria are typically present on the skin and get trapped in the sebum inside the pore. The bacteria multiply, and the body’s immune system responds by causing inflammation, leading to bursting of the acne.

Oftentimes, people try to force a cystic acne lesion to burst by squeezing it. This is a leading cause of acne scarring since in most circumstances the cyst is too deep to bring to the surface. Therefore, the surrounding skin gets damaged by squeezing and fingernails digging into it. In addition, bacteria frequently get transferred to the area by the fingers, making the situation worse. A person must be conscious of the potential for scarring, and make a concerted effort to let the body do its work in dealing with the acne cyst. In other words, do not pick at the skin, squeeze, or “spot treat” with acne medications, alcohol, or other potential irritants.

It is essential to understand that treating cystic acne lies in understanding its causes. As previously mentioned, bacteria get caught in a pore and lead to infection. However, what gets the ball rolling is overproduction of sebum in the sebaceous glands of the skin. Dirt finds its way into the pores more easily because it clings to the oil, so it is important to keep the skin as clean as possible without irritating it more. A mild non-comedogenic cleanser is best.

Successfully treating cystic acne also relies on a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables will nourish your skin from the inside out, and supplementing a poor diet with a multivitamin can only do good for the body’s largest organ, the skin. Regular exercise is also great for the skin, and keeping the hands away from the face helps tremendously. These are all habits a person can adopt that will not only help treat cystic acne, but prevent it as well.

In terms of treating cystic acne with specific nutrients, consider a zinc supplement, as it helps regulate oil gland activity. Since stress increases the production of oil by the sebaceous glands, B-complex vitamins also play an important part in treating cystic acne by helping the body cope with stress.

If you have frequent cystic acne lesions or multiple cystic acne lesions, make the decision to see a dermatologist or physician. Your care provider may suggest a skincare regimen that will get shepherd you into the habit of caring for your skin in a way that avoids setting it up for acne in the first place. Do not wait, as you only increase the risk of scarring. Lastly, prescribed antibiotics or medications that reduce oil production, such as Accutane, may be for you the best and fastest way of dispensing with cystic acne.