Causes Of Cystic Acne
Cystic acne occurs when bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum get trapped beneath the skins surface and become infected. This leads to a large, swollen cyst that can hurt just to touch.
There are a number of different reasons why this condition might occur more frequently or more severely in some people but not others. Understanding the different factors that contribute to cystic acne flare ups will help you and your dermatologist devise a custom treatment plan together.
Mint Leaves Will Help
Mint leaves provide a soothing effect to the Cyst acne. It contains menthol, which has natural properties like analgesic and an anti-inflammatory agent. This will help in lowering the swelling due to acne and pain. Crush a good amount of mint leaves into a fine paste. Apply the paste on your acne affected areas and leave for at least 15 minutes. Wash off with water and apply this after every 2-3 hours.
Apply A Hydrocolloid Acne Patch
This is the #1 public enemy of budding cystic acne. For the individual giant cyst that starts to form, I recommend acne patches which can draw fluid from and reduce the swelling of the cyst, says Turner. The patches are often made out of hydrocolloid materials that are super absorbent to help flatten the cyst. In addition, some of these acne patches contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid or tea tree oil that treat the pimple while concealing it.
Most of these patches require six to eight hours of wear, in order to get the best benefits. Dont sell yourself short with a measly two-hour application, either. Wash your skin, gently pat dry, then apply the patch and leave it on overnight, or all day . It can be the difference between that thing erupting on your face, or retreating back into your body. It may linger for a few more days, but youll note that its not increasing in size or fury.
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What Is Acne Cyst
Cystic acne is the worst and most painful type of common acne found in teenagers during puberty stage and lactating or pregnant women. Follicles that burst and leave sebum on the skin are mostly the source of cysts.
Why and how acne bursts?
Acne is formed when the hair folliclecontains sebum. Due to irritation and inflammation, this acne erupts paving way to cysts. Cystic acne is also shaped when affected person scratches or scrubs it too hard. Moreover, cysts are the risky sorts of acne. These are more painful and deeper than other sorts of acne.
However, this category of acne is more severe and doesnt hit everyone. Cysts affect way lesser people as compared to acne, the common one. According to research carried out in the year 2009, a huge percentage of people with different types of acne showed up to the dermatologist.
Things To Keep In Mind
1) Do a patch test first!
I learned the hard way the importance of being patient with my skin. Basically, treat new products like you treat new foods youve never tried before by taking a small test-bite first.
If you experience adverse reactions such as irritation, more breakouts, etc. you should stop use immediately.
2) Only dab a tiny amount as you dont need much.
Hydrocortisone cream is meant to be an acne spot treatment. If you find you need to slather it across your entire face, then a spot treatment isnt for you.
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3) This is a temporary cosmetic fix meant for sporadic breakouts.
If youre suffering from severe, recurrent cystic acne you need to consult with a dermatologist or other professional to consider a possible treatment.
What acne spot treatment do you swear by?
Disclaimer: Im not a dermatologist or licensed professional. Nor am I affiliated or compensated for this product endorsement. This is all based on my experience with hormonal cystic acne and with this specific product just want to share in case this helps someone!
xoxo k.B
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Do You Need To Treat A Cystic Pimple Differently Vs Other Pimples
“Yes. Absolutely,” Nazarian insists. “These lesions have a higher risk of scarring the skin- they should not be pressed or squeezed as this increases the chances of scars or mark formation.”
Levin adds that those who experience cystic acne should really be regularly seeing a dermatologist who can prescribe topical and oral medications. If you’re taking matters into your own hands, she says Differin is her top over the counter pick. “It contains the retinoid adapalene and there is no irritation. I also like the Differin Daily Deep Cleanser which contains five percent benzoyl peroxide,” she says. “Benzoyl peroxide effectively treats inflammatory acne because it reduces a few factors that cause acneoil production and the P.Acnes bacteria.”
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What Is Cystic Acne Anyway
Most of us know acne when we see it. Painful inflamed red bumps that often come to a white head and are sometimes accompanied by blackheads and oily skin. The sometimes leave behind scars that look like pits in the skin. Well cystic acne is a whole other thing. It is DEPP IN the skin, a large lump buried under many layers of skin. Unlike the non-cystic type it usually does not come to a white head and is harder to drain. It forms a deep LUMP that is very painful and can distend the skin. And it too leaves behind scars, but they often tend to leave a brown of red flat circle with a small lump underneath. Whatever you do, DONT PICK AT IT! This can make things way worse.
The cysts dont usually drain on their own but can often become infected underneath the skin. They are buried DEEP and have a massive amount of acne goo lodged in them . The stuff in the cyst is usually oil and sometimes bacteria making up that massive lump. I have had cysts that made the entire side of my face swell up. This is some painful and embarrassing stuff to deal with.
Cystic Acne Treatment: Topicals
Topical treatmentof either the prescription or over-the-counter varietyprobably will not resolve the deep-seated problem of cystic acne alone, but they can be helpful if prescribed with an oral medication.
The old standard therapy for inflammatory acne treatment is combined topical therapy with oral medications, said Melanie Palm, MD, a San Diego dermatologist and clinical professor at Scripps Encinitas Memorial Hospital. Benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics often go with anti-biotics or retinoids.
Cystic Acne Treatment: Good Skin Hygiene
The population who suffer the most from cystic acn3high school- and college-age malesare not exactly known for their cleanliness and skincare routines.
They work out a lot and have sweaty clothes against their skin, Friedler says. She recommends that men of prime acne age be mindful to change their workout clothes and use an antibacterial body wash.
Cystic Acne Treatment: Manage Medications
Palm said that certain medications can alter ones testosterone system, leading to acne flair ups. These include anabolic steroids, and hormone replacement .
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Who Gets Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is most likely to appear in teens, but this is not always the case. There have been reports of the cysts appearing in children as young as 8 years old, as well as in older adults. In the older population, it is more likely to appear in men, but women get it too. Different people get cystic acne for different reasons.
Get Rid Of Cystic Acne For Good
If you have cystic acne then I KNOW you want to cure it or get rid of cystic acne for good. Or at least stop it from occurring so frequently. I DID IT. Thats right, after YEARS of dealing with painful, embarrassing cystic acne and the scars it leaves, I managed to get rid of it once and for all. Read on to find out EXACTLY how I took control of this skin menace. Time to get rid of cystic acne for good. Read on.
Do you have acne? I assume you do or you wouldnt be reading this. You might have it but are not sure if it is the cytsic variety. Because it can be so confusing I am first going to fill you in on exactly WHAT cystic acne IS.
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Home Remedies For Cystic Acne
- Try topical creams like Retinoid A . A dermatologist can also prescribe higher strength retinoids.
- Use warm compresses to soothe inflammation. Make sure to use a clean washcloth and dont use water thats too hot. This can help encourage pus to come to the surfacebut dont pop the pimple once it has.
- Remove makeup every single night before going to bed. It may also help to choose products that are labeled non-comedogenic or oil-free to combat build-up under the skin.
- Use a gentle facial cleanser. Harsh scrubs can further irritate and dry out your skin, which can lead to excess oil production as your skin works to make up what was lost. You should wash your face at least once per day in the evening before bed with a gentle cleanser.
- Avoid picking at your skin to lessen irritation and prevent infection from spreading. If you find yourself unconsciously touching irritated areas, try covering cysts with an adhesive bandage and keeping your nails short.
- Consider your diet.There is evidence that a low-glycemic diet can help alleviate acne. It may help to cut back on sugar and other high-glycemic foods like white bread, potatoes, and pasta.
Dont use homemade remedies like toothpaste, baking soda, honey, or sugar on your skin. These substances can irritate and clog your pores, and do not work at combating cystic acne.
What Action Should You Take If The Cystic Pimple Has Already Risen To The Surface
“I recommend applying a specialized hydrocolloid acne patch called ZitSticka which is a 24 freeze-dried microdarts bandage that self dissolves over two hours to deliver acne-fighting ingredients.” It contains oligopeptide-76, a new anti-inflammatory ingredient that’s like a gentler benzoyl peroxide without irritation, salicylic acid, niacinamide and moisturizing hyaluronic acid.
Nazarian says it’s best to see your dermatologist as soon as you feel a zit brewing beneath your skin, but if it’s already too late a spot treatment could help here too. Look out for anti-inflammatory ingredients and ones that break down skin cells, like Neutrogena’s rapid clear spot treatment. “I also like to use a small amount of over-the-counter hydrocortisone one percent cream to the pimple. It’s even better if you leave the cream in the fridge because the cool temperature shrinks down the pimple and diminishes redness,” she shares.
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How To Treat Cystic Acne
Sorry, but at some pointideally right away! Now! Yesterday!youre likely going to need work with a dermatologist to fully prevent and/or treat your cystic zits, especially if youre dealing with more than 1-2 bumps a month . That being said, its helpful to know what cystic acne treatments are potentially in store for you, starting with:
Benefits Of Treating Severe Acne
Living with severe acne can be tough on your psyche. Many studies have found that acne can lead to poor self-esteem, depression, or anxiety. People with acne may stop hanging out with friends and family. Going after a job promotion or trying out for a sport may no longer seem worthwhile.
Acne treatment can help. Many studies show that treatment for severe acne can:
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Clear acne
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Boost a persons mood and self-esteem
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How Can I Prevent Cystic Acne
You can lower your risk of getting acne by taking these steps:
- Use a mild foaming facial cleanser, lukewarm water and your fingers to wash your face after you wake up, before going to bed and after exercising or sweating.
- Apply oil-free moisturizer if you feel dry.
- Use noncomedogenic makeup and facial products.
- Dont sleep in makeup.
- Keep your hands away from your face during the day.
- Dont pick at or pop pimples or scabs.
- Wash your hair regularly and keep hair away from your face.
- Occasionally oily environments, such as working at a fast food restaurant, can contribute to acne flares.
- Diets high in simple sugars and dairy, also called a high glycemic index diet, may contribute to flares as well.
Cystic Acne Treatment: Antibiotics
If you see a dermatologist for cystic acneand experts agree that over-the-counter remedies are not sufficient for cystic pimplestheir first option will likely be an oral antibiotic, says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. Antibiotics attack the underlining bacteria that may be causing and perpetuating the acne.
The relief can be immediate. It works as an anti-inflammatory, says Mudgil. Tetracycline-type antibioticslike minocycline or doxycyclineare the most common choices. Some dermatologists also use topical antibiotics.
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Dont Try To Pop It Seriously
Cystic zits literally cannot be popped, since the problem is so deep within your skin. Trying to manipulate or squeeze the cyst will only push the inflammation out further, leading to more severe scarring and a possible infection, says Shari Marchbein, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Even if it has the tiniest of whiteheads on top, dont trust itthat sh*t is deep, and youll never get it out. You will always make it worse.
Start With Benzoyl Peroxide And Salicylic Acid
At the first sign of any breakout, Turner says to start with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide helps to reduce inflammation, treat acne bacteria, and unclog pores, he says. Cleansing with salicylic acid or using it as spot treatment is a tried-and-true treatment to help stop breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide treatments can be prescribed by your doctor, but often for combatting ongoing and prominent acne problems. However, its wise to have a benzoyl peroxide cleanser or treatment cream on hand for the times when you sense a budding cystic pimple.
Then, it’s time to move on to that salicylic acid spot treatment. It will soak deep into the pore to help dissolve anything clogging it, from dead skin to excess oil accumulation.
Then, after the outbreak passes, it’s a great time to refresh your skin care basics.
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How Can You Tell The Difference Between Cystic Acne And Other Types Of Acne
What differentiates cystic acne from pimples is their size , and depth . Its important to note that this type of acne can occur at any point in life, so you shouldnt feel ashamed if youre past your teenage years and youre still starting to develop cystic acne. It is imperative that you dont let this condition affect your stress levels and dont try to pop them yourself because you risk permanent scarring.
How I Apply It
After washing my face and applying moisturizer , I dab at the acne spot with a teeny amount and gently rub it in.
I only do this once per day and, for the most part, the spot starts healing after this first time so I dont need to follow with more application.
However, in the case of a severe cystic nodule , I will apply hydrocortisone successively until the healing process starts.
I dont pair hydrocortisone cream with actives my sensitive, dehydrated-to-borderline-dry skin goes bonkers when exposed to strong actives.
The miraculous effects of hydrocortisone on pimples are, therefore, all due to the cream itself.
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What Causes Cystic Acne
Acne is multi-pathogenic in the sense that not only does it have to do with the maturation of our skin and the hair follicle, but also, theres a hormonal component to it, says Dr. Braue.
Hormones can affect keratinization, which is the process by which your skin makes a protein called keratin and then sloughs dead skin off. Keratinization also deals with how much sebum is produced. Sebum is a waxy substance that helps moisturize and protect your skin. Its produced by sebaceous glands.
What occurs, for genetic reasons and environmental reasons, is atypical keratinization in the lining of the hair follicle. When hair follicles get plugged, sebaceous glands produce even more sebum. Plugged follicles are ideal settings for inflammation, bacteria and acne. And when you get an overgrowth of that bacteria in an already abnormal, inflammatory setting, you get more and more inflammation. With true cystic acne, the inflammation is quite out of control.
Use The Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is another popular home remedies for cystic acne because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It helps to pull out the surplus oil from blocked pores as well as remove dead skin cells. Baking soda helps to manage the pH level of your skin to make it glowing and healthy. It is one of the simplest remedies for cystic acne. Add a spoon of baking soda with cucumber juice to form a fine paste. You can use plain water instead of cucumber juice if you dont have. Apply it on the cystic acne area. Let it rest for a few minutes and then clean it with lukewarm water. Follow this for a few days to get visible results.
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