Taking the Fear Out of Cystic Acne

Cystic Acne is the harshest form of acne. It is painful and severe and there is no surprise why so many are afraid of developing it. Once a person has cystic acne the process of clearing it up can be long and difficult. However, once a person understands cystic acne they will be better prepared to fight it. With knowledge the fear of cystic acne can be banished forever.

Cystic Acne Explained

Cystic acne is an infection. It is the result of an infection down in the skin pore. The pore fills with pus and become swollen, which then becomes visible as a cyst on the skins surface. They are usually red in color and often have a white center where the pus is visible.

The actual reason why cystic acne forms is that the pores get blocked, usually with excess oil. Once the pore is blocked the stage is set for bacteria to grow easily and causes an infection.

The cause of cystic acne can vary. It is mainly believed, though, that hormonal changes are the main reason for the development of cystic acne. It most often occurs in teenagers and in pregnant women, which are situations where there are often great hormonal changes. Additionally, excess dirt on the face and dirty skin, in general, can also contribute to the acne.

Treatment Methods

Most people assume that squeezing out the pus is the best way to combat the infection. This is not a good idea, though. Squeezing a cyst can cause permanent scarring which can be quite difficult to clear up.

The best treatment for a severe case is through a dermatologist. The dermatologist will try several treatment methods, but the most common and most effective method is medication. The medication of choice is usually isotretinoin, which is a retinoid.

Isotretinoin is taken orally and helps to reduce oil production in the skin which is what leads to the blocked and infected pores.

Home methods of treatment include the basics of skin care:

- Wash you face morning and evening.

- Use an astringent that is formulated for your skin tone daily.

- Spot treat acne with over the counter acne medication.

- Moisturize skin daily.

Cystic acne is something that will eventually go away with treatment. You just have to keep your mind focused on what causes it and be prepared to fight against the causes by keeping your skin as clean as possible. If you have a severe case of cystic acne then you should seek help from a dermatologist to help clear up the problem.