Cystic Acne: A major problem for Youth!

What is cystic acne?

A cystic acne is a severe form of acne that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles, leading to the formation of painful, red, and swollen cysts. These cysts can sometimes lead to scarring if they become severe or are not treated properly. Cystic acne is often treated with topical medications, oral antibiotics, and isotretinoin (a medication that helps to reduce the production of oil in the skin).

What are the major signs?

Some signs and symptoms of cystic acne include:

• large, red, and painful cysts or nodules (lumps) that are located deep within the skin
• inflammation and redness around the cysts
• scarring of the skin after the cysts have healed
• cysts that may last for several weeks or longer
• cysts that may occur in clusters or in a specific area of the face, such as the jawline or chin.

It’s important to note that cystic acne can be a severe form of acne that can cause significant physical and emotional distress, and should be treated by a dermatologist.

What does it look like?

Cystic acne typically appears as large, red, and painful bumps or cysts that are located deep within the skin. These cysts are often filled with pus and can be tender to the touch. They may occur alone or in clusters and are often located on the face, particularly on the jawline, chin, and lower parts of the face. They can also appear on the upper body, such as the chest and back. It is often accompanied by redness, and inflammation, and can cause scarring once they heal. In some severe cases, cystic acne can cause disfigurement.

Diagnosis of Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne is usually diagnosed by a dermatologist or a medical doctor who specializes in skin conditions. A dermatologist will typically examine the affected area of the skin and ask about the patient’s medical history and any symptoms they may be experiencing.

In some cases, a dermatologist may take a sample of the fluid from a cyst for laboratory analysis to rule out other conditions or to confirm the diagnosis.

In general, cystic acne diagnosis is based on the appearance of the cysts and the patient’s symptoms. The cysts are typically large, red, and painful, and are located deep within the skin. They often appear in clusters and on the face, particularly on the jawline, chin, and lower parts of the face.

It’s important to note that cystic acne can be a severe form of acne that can cause significant physical and emotional distress.

Cystic Acne treatment:

Treatment for cystic acne typically includes a combination of topical and oral medications, as well as lifestyle changes. The specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of cystic acne and the patient’s individual needs.

Some common treatment options for cystic acne include:

• Topical medications: These include creams or gels that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids. These medications can help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that can cause acne.
• Oral antibiotics: These medications can help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that can cause acne. Common antibiotics used to treat include tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline.
• Isotretinoin: This is a powerful medication that helps to reduce the production of oil in the skin. It is typically in use for severe or persistent cases of cystic acne that are not responding to other treatments.
• Hormonal therapy: This type of therapy is often in use for women, who have acne due to hormonal fluctuations. Such therapy could include birth control pills or anti-androgen medications.
• Extraction: In some cases, a dermatologist may extract the cysts manually, which can happen by making a small incision and draining the cyst.
• Light therapy: Some studies have shown that certain types of light therapy, such as blue light or laser therapy, can be helpful in reducing the appearance of cystic acne.

It’s important to note that cystic acne can be a severe form of acne that can cause significant physical and emotional distress. You should consult a dermatologist. It is also important to avoid picking or squeezing the cysts, which can lead to further infection and scarring.

Some tips for curing Cystic Acne:

Here are some tips that may help to reduce or prevent acne:

1. Keep your skin clean: Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing your skin, as this can irritate the pores and make acne worse.
2. Avoid touching your face: Your hands carry a lot of bacteria, which can contribute to the development of acne.
3. Avoid picking at or squeezing pimples: This can lead to further infection and scarring.
4. Use non-comedogenic products: Look for products that have labels of “non-comedogenic,” which means they are less likely to clog pores.
5. Watch your diet: Some studies suggest that a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and dairy may contribute to the development of acne. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein may help to improve the appearance of your skin.
6. Avoid exposing your skin to the sun: Sun exposure can make acne worse, and can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
7. Manage stress: Stress can trigger the release of hormones that can lead to acne. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise or meditation, may help to reduce the risk of acne.
8. Consult a Dermatologist: If you have severe or persistent acne, it’s important to see a dermatologist. They will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for your individual needs.