Cystic Acne

Often arising from common acne, cystic acne is a more serious condition in which persistent infections result in large cysts or pustules that are swollen, inflamed, and painful. Left untreated, they can lead to deep and permanent scarring.

The result of infections developing deep in clogged pores and hair follicles, cystic acne can be resistant to standard acne treatments. Although there is still some debate, there are hormonal as well as genetic components that affect one's likelihood of developing cystic acne. Other contributing factors are stress and good skin habits like regular cleaning.
For mild to moderate outbreaks, treatment often consists of the topical application of drugs designed to reduce oil on the skin and speed up the development of skin cells. Often working in conjunction with these ointments are antibacterial medications designed to combat infection and reduce inflammation.

There are other more powerful methods of dealing with cystic acne that has been resistant to standard treatment. Aggressive methods using vitamin A derivatives, isotretinoin, hormone treatment, and lasers have had very successful results, but these methods often have side effects and require a visit to a dermatologist.

Cystic Acne Treatments

The Do it Yourself Approach: Over-the-counter medications containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, or lactic acid as active ingredients are generally effective in treating milder forms of acne. Used in conjunction with natural remedies, they can have positive results without a trip to the doctor.

Skin Peels: Skin peels can be effective too. Designed to remove dead or infected skin cells using heat and steam, peels increase blood circulation and naturally open and unclog pores.
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is a safe natural remedy that helps heal skin and reduce inflammation. Used with a good cleanser as part of a regular cleaning program, aloe vera cream speeds up the healing process and reduces the look of red puffy skin.

Birth Control Pills: For women, oral contraceptives have proven very effective in the treatment of many acne conditions. There are side effects, so discuss this option with your doctor.

Lasers:
Light-based therapies are successful in limiting oil production in the skin by reducing the effectiveness of sebaceous glands (oil glands in the skin). Acne laser treatment can also be effective in destroying active bacteria cultures, and in reducing the appearance of existing scars.

Vitamin A: For more resistant cystic acne, dermatologists will often recommend vitamin A derivatives like Retin-A that work by accelerating cell turnover, which helps to keep pores and hair follicles open and healthy. Often working in concert with vitamin A derivatives are either oral or topical antibiotics designed to control bacteria and treat existing infections.

Isotretinoin: For the most resistant forms of cystic acne, Isotretinoin, often sold under the brand name Accutane, is employed. Taken orally, isotretinoin works to reduce oil production and is a very effective treatment for acne related conditions. Sold by prescription only, isotretinoin has potentially serious side effects, including birth defects.
You don't have to live with the pain and embarrassment of cystic acne. Innovations in the treatment of acne have made it easier to control flair ups and avoid scarring. There are a number of over the counter as well as doctor prescribed medications that can help to reduce or eliminate outbreaks, and keep your skin free of infection.