Put an end to the severe unsightly cystic acne!
Among all acne types, cystic acne lesions are the most painful. They are the exaggerated pustular form of acne lesions that cannot be cured within few days of treatment. The recent theories suggest that most forms of cystic acne are hereditary. Also, hormonal imbalances and dirt accumulation on the skin are primary causes for cystic acne.
Most often the sufferers are teenagers and rarely may they occur in elderly population too. Pregnant women can suffer an occasional breakout of cystic acne. Post-pregnancy acne is also possible and that’s why hormonal imbalances are attributed as the major factors for cystic acne. These hormonal changes alter the sebaceous glands’ secretion thus leading to excess sebum production that ultimately settles down as cystic acne.
What is the most important point to remember about cystic acne?
The cystic acne lesions are deep rooted and therefore give rise to much swelling and redness. The most important aspect to be remembered about cystic acne is that if they are manhandled by the patient and squeezed open, they leave very bad unsightly scars that are hard to vanish. Also, picking of acne lesions results in further spread of the lesions giving a patchy appearance.
How to get rid of cystic acne?
Though the cure of cystic acne is tougher as compared to other types of acne, many different treatment options are available these days. But it is aptly said that when the acne is cystic, it is better to consult a dermatologist before you yourself taking any action. The dermatologist can guide you better so that there are no more pit formations. Let’s see what the treatment options for cystic acne are
- Isotretinoin:- Also called as Accutane, it is one of the most potent treatment options for cystic acne. It should be tried when other topical treatment options fail. The Isotretinoin that is a form of vitamin A helps in dealing with the four causes of acne formation-that is, excess sebum production, clogged pores, inflammation, and the bacteria responsible, P.acnes. The patient should continue taking 1-2 pills of Accutane daily till twenty weeks. But one must take isotretinoin only under medical supervision. Pregnancy is the strongest contra-indication for isotretinoin.
- The antibiotics:- Tetracycline, erythromycin, doxycycline etc are the oral antibiotics used to treat cystic acne. They help in controlling the infection by P.acnes.
- Birth control pills for women’s cystic acne:- many gynecologists these days recommend oral contraceptive pills for the treatment of cystic acne. These drugs interfere with the sebum production taking it to minimum and thus infection rates reduce leading to gradual clearing of skin. But these pills should also be taken only under medical supervision.
- Spironolactone:- this is a potent steroid sometimes used in conjunction with birth control pills. This combination together they control the androgenic hormones which are responsible for excess sebum production. When the sebum secretion is reduced, automatically the acne menace comes under control.
- Corticosteroid injection:- injecting corticosteroid into the lesion may help heal quickly and avoid much scarring.
- Laser treatment of cystic acne is fast becoming popular, as it takes care of your skin better than any other method. It leaves very little scarring that too heals faster and without any residue.
Thus, you better consult your doctor before embarking to break open your cystic acne. It is worth the trouble. Soon you will have confidence in yourself with the proper skin management!