Cystic Acne: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
What is cystic acne? What factors and causes may lead to its appearance? What are its symptoms? Find essential information in the following article.
What is Cystic Acne?
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that emerges when pores in the skin become clogged or contaminated with specific types of bacteria, leading to inflammation. While typical acne manifests as pimples on the skin’s surface, cystic acne occurs when this inflammation penetrates deeper into the skin layers, resulting in large, painful cysts.
Cystic acne is one of the most severe types of acne, yet it is relatively uncommon, affecting only a small percentage of the population. If one of these cysts bursts, it can spread the inflammation to surrounding areas, potentially leading to more breakouts.
This type of acne primarily affects the face but can also appear on other parts of the body, such as the upper arms and the upper trunk. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for treatment as soon as possible, as leaving cystic acne untreated can result in extensive skin damage and scarring.
Causes of Cystic Acne
Here are the prominent factors and causes that may increase the risk of developing cystic acne or exacerbate existing conditions:
- Elevated Testosterone Levels: Increased testosterone, due to internal or external factors, can contribute to acne.
- Hormonal Contraceptives: Using contraceptives rich in progestin, such as certain birth control pills or hormonal IUDs, has been linked to acne.
- Natural Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause can trigger outbreaks.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This condition is known to increase acne occurrences.
- Other Factors: Certain medications, unsuitable skincare products, excessive sweating, and the wearing of tight clothing can also worsen acne.
Although scientists are still uncertain about the primary cause of cystic acne, androgens (a type of hormone that typically rises during adolescence) are thought to play a significant role, negatively impacting the skin.
Symptoms of Cystic Acne
Cystic acne manifests as:
- Large, pus-filled cysts.
- Red in color.
- Difficult to heal, requiring extended recovery time for the skin.
- Painful and occasionally itchy.
- Formed deep within the skin layers.
- Appearing as soft bumps that may cluster or exist individually.
- Often leading to various types of scarring, such as ice pick scars.
Cystic acne typically appears in these areas: the face, back, chest, and neck.
Diagnosing Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is usually diagnosed through:
- A thorough examination of the cysts and scars by a qualified dermatologist.
- A skin biopsy to be tested in a lab, especially if the doctor suspects folliculitis rather than cystic acne.
Treatment for Cystic Acne
After diagnosing cystic acne, the following treatment options may be considered:
- Medical Treatments:
- Hormonal Birth Control: To regulate hormone levels.
- Oral Antibiotics: To reduce inflammation associated with breakouts.
- Retinoids: To unclog pores.
- Steroid Injections: Administered at a doctor’s office under supervision.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: To eliminate certain bacteria that cause inflammation.
- Natural and Home Remedies:
- Dietary Changes: Avoiding certain foods and beverages like dairy products and high glycemic foods that may aggravate acne.
- Moderate Face Washing: Limiting to twice daily to prevent excessive drying of the skin.
- Stress Management: Reducing stress levels whenever possible.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise and adequate sleep can support overall skin health.
- Avoiding Unhealthy Habits: Such as smoking, aggressive scrubbing of the face, using heavy makeup unsuitable for the skin, failing to remove makeup before sleeping, and picking at cysts.
Conclusion
Cystic acne is a complex skin condition that requires comprehensive understanding and proper treatment to manage effectively. Individuals suffering from cystic acne should not hesitate to seek professional help, as timely intervention can lead to better outcomes and minimize the risk of scarring. Furthermore, adopting healthy lifestyle choices and skincare routines can significantly aid in managing and preventing future breakouts.
