Cystic acne is one type of acne vulgaris, and can be more difficult to remove than other forms of acne as it occurs deep in the skin rather than on the surface. It is caused when oil glands under the skin become blocked and then burst, causing inflammation of the tissue around them. If you have cystic acne you will experience large painful bumps similar to cysts, but not necessarily white or blackheads on the skin's surface.
There are a number of ways to remove cystic acne, but the first thing to make sure of is that you don't squeeze the spots. This may cause a deeper infection and further tissue inflammation which will take longer to heal.
The first treatment that you should try is benzoyl peroxide which you can buy yourself over the counter, or have prescribed by your dermatologist, and which should be applied directly to the pimples over a period of time. If this doesn't work it may be time to move onto a more intense form of cystic acne treatment.
The most effective treatment of severe cystic acne is isotretinoin, also known as accutane. This oral medication should be taken regularly over a period of up to twenty weeks and works by reducing the size of the oil producing glands, as well as limiting the shedding of skin cells. It also makes the skin cells less sticky so they are less likely to cause a blockage.
Isotretinoin is a strong drug and has various side effects, so your dermatologist will give you a thorough assessment before prescribing it and at various times throughout the course of treatment. Physically it can cause inflamed lip and eye membranes, dry skin, mouth or nose, muscle aches, nose bleeds and vision problems. It can even cause increased blood cholesterol and changes in liver function.
Mental risks associated with it include depression, psychosis and suicidal thoughts. For this reason it will not be subscribed to anyone with a history of depression, and you will be closely monitored whist you are taking the drug.
A final risk associated with this medication is the development of birth defects in unborn babies. It will never be prescribed to pregnant women and women of child bearing age are encouraged to use at least two methods of contraception whilst taking the drug.
Another possibility for treating cystic acne is intra-lesional corticosteroid therapy. This involves an injection of dilute cortisone solution directly into the cyst. It provides fast relief from pain and clears the pimple quickly. However, it is not a long term cure and does not necessarily prevent the acne from returning.
Your final option to remove cystic acne would be acne surgery which is the physical removal of the material forming the blockages and causing the lesions. This needs to be done by a professional dermatologist and followed up by a course of antibiotics to ensure it does not cause further infection.
By: Rebecca Prescott