Unfortunately, cystic acne often doesn't go away on its own and requires treatment from a doctor or dermatologist. Cystic acne has psychological effects as well as visible effects on the skin.
It can take three months or more to clear up acne cysts. Treatment often involves taking oral antibiotics and applying prescription-strength topical gels or creams to the skin. Cystic acne treatments include: Antibiotic creams, gels solutions and lotions to kill bacteria and decrease inflammation.
Usually, cystic acne can improve with age. However, the stubborn and painful bumps won't go away on their own. If you suspect you have cystic acne, your dermatologist is your best line of defense. They can prescribe the medication necessary to help clear your skin.
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 forms deeper in the skin than other types of acne, and this makes it more complicated for a number of reasons. For one, cystic acne takes longer to form and go away. Since this acne can grow longer without risk of popping, cystic acne nodules become much larger than traditional acne.
Causes of Cystic Acne
Cystic acne occurs when bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum (the substance that makes your face feel oily) get trapped beneath the skin's surface and become infected. This leads to a large, swollen cyst (bump) that can hurt just to touch.
Cortisone
If you need a cyst gone fast, or if your cystic pimple won't go away, you can visit a healthcare professional for an injection of a diluted cortisone medication called Kenalog. They'll inject the medication directly into the cyst, shrinking it on the spot.
Acne affects up to 50 million people each year in the U.S. However, severe or cystic acne is far less common — only 1% of adult females and 3% of adult males suffered from severe acne. For many women, cystic acne is the result of hormonal imbalance, meaning they'll likely experience breakouts on or around menstruation.
The condition can cause scarring and is generally painful, and managing symptoms can be difficult. Left untreated, cystic acne can also develop into acne conglobate, another severe form of acne characterized by connected nodules of cysts underneath the skin.
Cystic acne can be caused by a variety of factors
Hormone imbalance – particularly fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone. Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Medications such as testosterone, lithium and steroids can aggravate acne. Environmental risk factors.
Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin (Accutane), a powerful prescription medication, is considered the most effective treatment measure for cystic acne. It's derived from a powerful form of vitamin A, taken in tablet form every day. About 85 percent of people who take it experience improvements within four to six months.
Skin purging refers to a reaction to an active ingredient that is increasing skin cell turnover in order to improve acne. When using prescription-strength acne medications, it's reasonably common for your skin to get worse before it gets better.
Cystic acne is the most serious type of acne because it is so difficult to treat and because it can leave deep and lasting scars on the skin. There are many myths about its causes, which are unknown. But it should not be treated with over-the-counter ointments, creams or scrubs.
Acne commonly starts during puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Teenage acne usually lasts for five to 10 years, normally going away during the early 20s. It occurs in both sexes, although teenage boys tend to have the most severe cases.
Grade III acne is considered severe acne. Severe acne causes breakouts that often extend deep into the skin. In severe acne, a single pimple or cyst can stay on the skin for weeks or months at a time. Grade III acne is considered severe acne.
If you have a red, cystic pimple that hurts to touch, and is deep under the skin, try your best to leave it alone—do not try to pop or squeeze in any way—you'll raise your risk of infection and permanent scarring.
Stage 4: Severe acne
In the most severe stage, acne becomes extremely painful. There will be numerous pustules, cysts, papules and nodules in the affected area or on various parts of the body.
Cystic acne may be longer lasting because it forms deep within the skin. With treatment, some people see an improvement in 6–8 weeks . If this does not happen, the dermatologist may recommend a change of treatment. Acne on the back may be persistent.
Because the lesions are especially prone to infection, treating cystic acne takes some time. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, such as doxycycline, to kill the bacteria responsible for the cystic acne infection.
Due to stress's affect on the body, most people experience stress acne breakouts rather than a single blemish. The excess oil production related to stress breakouts can increase the likelihood of developing cystic acne, though the majority of patients experience blemishes nearer to the surface of the skin.
Cysts are large, pus-filled lesions that look similar to boils. Like nodules, cysts can be painful and should be treated by a dermatologist since they also can scar. People who develop nodules and cysts are usually considered to have a more severe form of acne.