Cystic Acne – Acne Cysts Treatment
More than 17 million people in America suffer from some degree of acne. Fortunately, most have only minor problems with an occasional breakout. However, some of those people live with a very serious form of acne known as cystic acne. Unlike whiteheads or blackheads, cystic acne is more complex and difficult to treat. With this, the roots of the cystic acne are deep in the skin layers, not on the surface. Because of this, the person generally experiences pain and large, unsightly pimples.
With this form of acne, cysts form due to blockage of the skin pores, usually because of too much sebum or oil. Then, if the individual also has retention keratosis, the problem is far more significant. This additional problem occurs as the skin cells do not shed normally. With the problem with cell regeneration, skin follicles become blocked, which make them a prime target for bacterial infection.
It is important to understand that treating cystic acne takes time and a lot of patience. Because the infection is deep within the skin, the healing process is much longer and different from that of normal acne. Another common problem associated with cystic acne is deep scarring and discoloration of the skin. As you can imagine, someone living with this form of acne makes life difficult. Teenagers are teased in school while adults are often looked at as being dirty, which is not at all the case.
To remove the problem of cystic acne and the left behind lesions, medical treatment is imperative. Typically, a dermatologist will recommend a strong drug called Isotretinoin, more commonly known as Accutane. Usually, the person would use the oral medication for up to six months before optimal results are seen. The good news is that this form of treatment for cystic acne is successful in 80% of cases.
For this cystic acne treatment, the oil gland size is reduced, thus reducing or eliminating the problem of blocked pores. Because there are some potential serious side effects associated with this particular drug, it must be monitored closely. For instance, some patients have actually become suicidal. Lesser side effects include redness, swelling, and dryness, which can be eased with specially formulated moisturizers.
Some doctors will also suggest cystic acne treatments of cortisone shots. Although there is a slight sting of the needle, the process is virtually painless and very effective. With this, redness, inflammation, and swelling are reduced. More commonly known as “intra-lesional corticosteroid therapy”, both cysts and lesions are reduced. Additionally, laser surgery can help. Although a relatively new procedure, laser is getting rave reviews.
Remember, cystic acne is deep and very damaging, which is why special treatment is needed. Instead of trying to “pop” cystic acne, they need to be left alone in that trying to force pus to the surface will only cause more damage. You might also try using over-the-counter products that contain 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which can help kill off bacteria, which causes the formation of cysts.
