Cystic acne is a specific kind of inflammatory acne that forms deep beneath the skin as a result of dead skin cells and excess oil clogging the pores of the skin. These acne cysts are filled with pus that proves painful if touched.
If you tend to get cystic acne on the back, neck, face, chin, and forehead, this article is for you. Learn about cystic acne causes, treatments, and symptoms by thoroughly reading this article till the end.
What are the common causes of cystic acne?
The primary cause of cystic acne is when the pores of the skin get clogged with dead skin cells and extra oil produced by sebaceous glands. The condition worsens with bacteria entering the skin pores and getting trapped along with those skin cells and excess oil.
The skin reacts to this by causing deep swelling in the dermis (the middle layer), leading to swollen, infected red bumps, which take the form of acne cysts.
The common causes of cystic acne causes include:
- Hormonal changes during teenage, menopause, or excessive stress and anxiety
- The family contains a history of cystic acne
- Age
Where does cystic acne develop in the body?
Although cystic acne breakouts are mostly found on the face, they can occur in other parts of the body, including:
- Chest
- Butt
- Back
- Upper arms
- Shoulders
- Neck
How to treat acne cysts?
The common cystic acne treatments are as follows:
• Topical treatments:
Cystic acne can be treated with over-the-counter medicines containing retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, which help reduce inflammation and lower the chances of further breakouts. You can also opt for cystic acne creams for treating scars to improve the quality of your skin.
• Oral medicines:
Hormonal medications such as birth control pills or cystic acne antibiotics are another method of treating such painful acne.
• Changes in lifestyle:
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can also help reduce severe cystic acne breakouts. This includes managing anxiety and stress, eating a balanced meal, and regular exercising.
• Effective skincare:
A good skincare routine can also effectively lower the severity of cystic acne. Ensure a clean and moisturised face; use gentle cleansers, avoid using exfoliants, and keep your hand away from your facial skin during the day.
Conclusion
Therefore, there is no doubt that cystic acne can impact the quality of life. To know about the best treatment for cystic acne, one must seek advice from a healthcare
professional who will recommend the best medication as well as cystic acne scar treatment necessary for a speedy recovery.
FAQs
1. What do acne cysts look like?
Cystic acne looks like a skin infection, where the acne may look like a red lump beneath the skin. Some other typical features of cystic acne are as follows:
- Pea-sized if small or dime-sized if large
- Whitish yellow acne head filled with pus
- It comes with a crust
- Painful if touched
2. How can I prevent cystic acne?
Cystic acne can be prevented by adopting several precautions, such as:
- Cleansing the face with a mild foaming cleanser
- If the skin feels dry, apply an oil-free moisturiser
- Remove any makeup before going to sleep
- Don’t touch your face during the day with your hands
- Never pick pimples
- Use water-based facial products and makeup
3. Does cystic acne mean I have PCOS?
No, cystic acne doesn’t determine that you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Although cystic acne can be a common symptom of PCOS, it can also occur in individuals not having PCOS. Consult with a healthcare professional to know whether your cystic acne is a symptom of PCOS and to receive the best treatment advice.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.