Deep beneath the skin, pus-filled acne cysts (pimples) form on those with cystic acne. The cysts associated with acne may be very big and painful. To lower the chance of infection and scarring, cystic acne should be treated by a dermatologist. Your skin may clean up with the use of antibiotics and topical (skin) treatments with prescription potency.
OVERVIEW
An outbreak of cystic acne on the face, which includes many oil glands.
What is acne with cysts?
Inflammatory acne of the cystic kind results in the formation of painful, pus-filled nodules deep under the skin. When dead skin cells and oil block skin pores, acne develops.
Additionally, bacteria enters the pores, resulting in swelling or inflammation. The most severe kind of acne is cystic. Acne cysts often hurt and are more likely to leave scars.
What distinguishes an acne nodule from an acne cyst?
Cystic acne and nodular acne are extremely comparable. Both result in large, uncomfortable lumps beneath the skin. Both may leave scars. Among the variations are:
Pus, a fluid, is contained inside acne cysts.
Since they don’t contain any fluid, acne nodules are more substantial and durable than acne cysts.
SIGNIFICANCE AND CAUSES
What triggers acne cysts?
Pimples may develop when pores in the skin get clogged with too much oil and dead skin cells. Skin pores may allow bacteria to enter and get stuck along with oil and skin cells. The dermis, the middle layer of the skin, swells as a result of the skin response. An acne cyst is a diseased, flaming, enlarged bump.
Causes include:
- Age (young people are more likely to have cystic acne).
- History of acne in the family.
- Hormone changes that occur throughout adolescence and sometimes during menopause, as well as stress.
How does cystic acne appear?
The skin illness known as a boil looks similar to acne cysts. A pimple cyst might be:
- A skin-bound red mass.
- Touchably painful or sensitive.
- A dime or a pea, depending on size.
- Pus-gushing from a head that is whitish-yellow.
- Crust
How do acne cysts grow?
A significant region of skin may be affected by a cystic acne outbreak. On the face, which has many oil glands, it often manifests. However, acne cysts may also develop on your:
- Back
- Butt
- Chest
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Upper arm
TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
How is acne cystic identified?
A dermatologist, a physician who focuses on skin issues, may inspect your skin and diagnose cystic acne.
CONTROL AND TREATMENT
How does one manage or treat cystic acne?
Treatment for acne cysts might be challenging. You should see a doctor rather than using over-the-counter acne products since they might leave scars. You may learn how to cure it from a dermatologist.
Acne cysts might take three months or more to disappear. Oral antibiotics and topical creams or gels with prescription strength are often used as treatments.
Treatments for cystic acne include:
- Antibiotic creams, gels, solutions, and lotions that reduce inflammation and kill germs.
- To eliminate microorganisms and remove surplus dead skin cells, use salicylic acid (Azelex®, Finacea®) or azelaic acid (Azelex®, Finacea®).
- To lessen the amount of microorganisms on the skin, use benzoyl peroxide.
- Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that help slough off dead skin cells (adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene, among others).
What additional therapies are there for cystic acne?
- Injections of corticosteroids are used to rapidly decrease big, uncomfortable acne cysts.
- Performing an incision and draining the fluid from an acne cyst is helpful.
- Women take the birth control pill or spironolactone to reduce hormone levels that lead to cystic acne.
- Oral retinoid isotretinoin, often known as Accutane.
What side effects might cystic acne cause?
By bursting or picking at acne cysts, you run a higher risk of leaving scars and developing bacterial skin infections like cellulitis.
After the skin clears up, some individuals have color changes (light or dark blotches) near the location of the acne cyst. Pink, purple, red, black, or brown patches are possible. Though it could take more than a year, they ultimately disappear.
PREVENTION
How can cystic acne be avoided?
You may reduce your chance of developing acne by doing the following:
- After waking up, before going to bed, and after working out or perspiring, wash your face with a light foamy facial cleanser, warm water, and your fingers (not a washcloth or sponge).
- If you feel dry, use a moisturizer without oils.
- Use water-based, non comedogenic cosmetics and skincare products.
- Never sleep with makeup on.
- Throughout the day, keep your hands away from your face.
- Avoid popping or picking at pimples or scabs.
- Keep your face away from your greasy hair, which should be washed often.
- Sometimes greasy surroundings, like working at a fast food restaurant, might cause acne flare-ups.
- Flares may also result from diets heavy in simple carbohydrates and dairy, often known as a high glycemic index diet.
PERSPECTIVE / PROGNOSIS
What are the chances (prognosis) for those with cystic acne?
The majority of individuals are able to stop severe outbreaks or treat acne cysts right away to avoid scarring. Cystic acne frequently—but not always—clears up or becomes worse with age as hormones normalize.
When cystic acne is severe or left untreated, it may negatively impact how you feel about your looks and cause anxiety or depression. If you are bother by cystic acne, discuss seeking support for promoting a good self-image with your healthcare physician.
If any of the following occur, contact your healthcare professional right away:
- uncomfortable, red, and swollen zits.
- scars or acne that makes you feel ashamed.
- Skin infection symptoms.
What inquiries ought I to make of my physician?
You may wish to inquire with your doctor about:
- What triggers acne cysts?
- What is the ideal therapy?
- What negative consequences do treatments have?
- What can I do to lessen my risk of developing acne cysts?
- How can I avoid developing scars or other problems?