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Read moreCystic acne is the presence of acne cysts—in other words, pimples filled with pus—under the skin. These cysts can be painful and quite visible to yourself and others, and if not treated can lead to infection and possibly scarring. However, there are also steps you can take to prevent and treat acne cysts on your own.
Below, we cover what cystic acne is, where it comes from, and what options you have to treat and manage it.
According to Healthline, cystic acne is a condition that occurs when bacteria become trapped in the skin’s pores beneath a layer of oil and dead skin, which clog the pore. These bacteria grow and cause inflammation, swelling, and pain deep below the skin’s surface.
Because cystic acne is the most severe type of acne, it is recommended that you see a dermatologist to prevent infection and scarring, reports Healthline
Acne nodules and acne cysts may look and feel similar—they’re both painful red bumps under the surface of your skin, after all. While both can lead to scarring, there are two key differences according to Healthline:
The following is basic information on the causes and symptoms of cystic acne:
Cystic acne occurs when the skin’s pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Because the pores cannot “breathe,” they become a breeding ground for bacteria—and with more than 1.5 trillion bacteria living on your skin, it’s not surprising they occasionally find their way in, notes Healthline.
Once they’re there and begin multiplying, the expansion gets trapped in the dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin. The result? An infected, swollen lump: an acne cyst, reports Healthline.
According to Healthline, the most common causes of cystic acne include:
According to Healthline, cystic acne generally looks like red boils, and generally has the following characteristics:
The most common sites for acne cysts are your face (by far the most common), butt, back, neck, chest, shoulders, and upper arms, notes Healthline.
Here we cover how to find out if your condition is cystic acne.
To determine whether those red bumps are cystic acne or something else, we rely on dermatology. A dermatologist is a medical doctor trained in treating skin conditions; if they diagnose you with cystic acne, they will be able to recommend and/or prescribe treatments.
Your dermatologist will be the best source for knowing how to manage and treat your cystic acne. Below you’ll find some helpful information to get you started:
Cystic acne is a difficult condition to treat because of the sensitive nature of the affected area, notes the Cleveland Clinic. You don’t want to go popping pimples on your face repeatedly, as this can lead to long-term scarring. A dermatologist can instruct you on how to care for your cystic acne.
Some acne cysts may take over three months to clear up. According to the Cleveland Clinic, cystic acne treatment options include:
Some other ways to treat cystic acne, according to the Cleveland Clinic include:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the main complications of cystic acne are scarring and discoloration. If you open up your acne cysts, such as by popping them, you increase the risk that your skin will scar. You also open the door to the possibility of cellulitis, a skin infection.
Additionally, you may notice discoloration where the acne once was, ranging from black to pink. Don’t worry, though—these usually clear up on their own, they just take some time to do so.
Learning to prevent cystic acne is the most vital step, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While there is no single cystic acne home remedy, the following information can help prevent it:
Try incorporating the following into your daily life as noted by the Cleveland Clinic:
Here’s what the outlook is if you have cystic acne:
Most of the time, cystic acne will clear up on its own with age notes the Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, making small lifestyle and behavioral changes (see the previous section) can help prevent breakouts from occurring and can make current breakouts go away more quickly.
The effects of cystic acne can include self-consciousness, anxiety and depression, and long-term scarring. However, you’re not alone—acne afflicts 50 million people in the U.S. alone according to data from the Cleveland Clinic. Make sure to talk with a healthcare professional if you’re feeling bad about your self-image.
Here’s when to take action:
The Cleveland Clinic notes that Iit’s time to get your healthcare provider involved if:
Ask the following questions to your doctor:
Remember not to pick at your acne—it’s best to call a dermatologist and get treated for better long-term results. You’ll also learn how to prevent your acne and identify whether you can make changes to prevent it from happening in the first place.
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The best way to treat your cystic acne is to visit a dermatologist. Your doctor will assess your skin’s unique needs and arm you with actionable treatment plans.
Cystic acne is a skin condition in which bacteria become trapped in the skin’s pores underneath a layer of dead skin and oils. This causes infection and the formation of painful, pus-filled pimples according to Healthline.
According to Healthline, cystic acne is caused by bacteria becoming trapped inside the skin’s pores, underneath a layer of dead skin and oils.
According to Healthline, cystic acne is best treated by washing your face with a gentle facial cleansing solution several times a day. However, in many cases, a dermatologist is needed to prescribe medicine to treat cystic acne.
Pimples are caused by bacteria trapped inside your pores under a layer of dead skin and oils. Protected from the outside air and cleaning, this allows the bacteria to proliferate and cause an infection, reports Healthline.
Pimples hurt because there is a large amount of pressure under the skin. This is usually caused by bacteria-fueled pus.
Your acne may itch because of an infection. See a doctor to diagnose and treat the problem.
To prevent cystic acne, wash your face using your fingers and a mild foaming facial cleanser after exercising and in the mornings and evenings. If it’s dry, use an oil-free moisturizer. Keep your face clean and free of oils: don’t sleep in your makeup, don’t touch your face, and leave pimples alone, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Continue washing your face regularly and avoiding certain products and techniques, notes the Cleveland Clinic However, if you notice scarring, itching, or persistent acne, see a dermatologist for effective treatment.
Your dermatologist is the best place to treat cystic acne.
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