Cystic Acne

What is Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne is a type of acne that occurs deep under the skin, not on the surface, making it difficult to treat. It is characterized by large tender lumps that resemble cysts, but not usually by white or blackheads. Cystic acne lumps appear when oil glands under the skin get clogged and then rupture, causing the tissue around them to become inflamed and swollen.

It is crucial for those suffering from cystic acne to avoid squeezing their pimples because this can lead to further swelling and a deeper infection. Cystic acne pimples or lesions that are squeezed can often take more time to disappear than those that are left alone.

How to treat Cystic Acne

There are various treatments for cystic acne that range in intensity from mild over the counter creams, through prescribed medication, to surgical procedures. Your dermatologist will probably recommend that you begin with the mildest treatment, which is benzoyl peroxide cream.

This can be bought over the counter, or stronger concentrations can be prescribed by your dermatologist. Benzoyl peroxide cream is applied to the affected areas daily, over a period of time. If your cystic acne is too severe to respond to benzoyl peroxide, the next step will be isotretinoin.

Treating Cystic Acne with Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is an oral medication taken over a maximum of twenty weeks and is currently the most efficient medication to treat severe cystic acne. It reduces cystic acne by shrinking the glands that produce oil, as well as reducing the shedding of skin cells which may cause a blockage. Isotretinoin also makes dead skin cells less sticky so they are less likely to cause oil glands to become clogged.

There are many side effects of isotretinoin, so it will only be prescribed to treat severe cystic acne, and then only after your dermatologist has assessed you thoroughly. You will be closely monitored throughout the course of your treatment and will never be prescribed more than twenty weeks medication at a time. The side effects of isotretinoin include:

· inflamed lip and eye membranes

· dry skin around the mouth or nose

· muscle aches

· nose bleeds

· vision problems

· increased blood cholesterol

· changes in liver function

· depression

· psychosis

· suicidal thoughts

Because isotretinoin can also cause birth defects, pregnant women will never be prescribed the drug. Women are encouraged to use two methods of birth control whilst they are taking this drug.

Direct treatment of Cystic Acne Lesions

There are two of methods of directly treating cystic acne lesions which can be very effective in the short term, but which do not guarantee that the problem is cured.

Intra-lesional Corticosteroid Therapy is the first method of directly treating cystic acne lesions. During this treatment dilute cortisone solution is injected right into the heart of the cyst-like pimple to clear it quickly as well as providing speedy relief from pain.

Acne Surgery is another possibility to treat cystic acne pimples, and this involves the physical removal of the material causing the blockage. This procedure can cause further infection if it is not done correctly by a qualified dermatologist. Treatment is usually followed by a course of antibiotics to ensure further infection does not occur.

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