Cystic Acne

Cystic acne, or nodular acne, is characterized by large boils or nodules that form under the skin. Because the lesions are so deep, cystic acne causes scarring more often than other types of acne. Although the causes of cystic acne have not been totally pinned down, it is suspected to be the overreaction to hormones in the body resulting in excess sebum production. Sebum is what the sebaceous glands secrete to keep hairs on the body healthy and shiny. However, in the case of cystic acne, the overproduction of sebum causes enough pressure that the nodule or cyst will burst under the skin causing inflammation and pain.

Treating cystic acne can be difficult. Oral drugs such as Accutane and antibiotics are often the recommended course of action. Antibiotics do away with infections while Accutane as a cystic acne treatment shrinks oil glands to reduce the amount of sebum that can be produced. It should be noted that this treatment for cystic acne has been known to have side effects. It is a course of treatment not recommended to women with adult cystic acne who intend to have any children in the near future due to possible birth defects that can occur in newborn babies. It is not unheard of for women to also experience miscarriages.

Other cystic acne treatments can include the use of oral contraceptives for women as it can help unbalanced hormone levels. However, this remedy also has its own side effects. A consultation with a dermatologist can help to decide whether this is the right course of action. During this consultation, the dermatologist can explain the process of these treatments of acne. A cystic picture or representation of an inflamed cyst can help a person better understand what is going on with their skin and how treatments for cystic acne work. When learning about cystic acne causes and treatments, a person can also learn what they shouldn’t or should do to aid in their own healing process.

Although there is no cystic acne cure, many who suffer this affliction are willing to try a number of remedies to help their skin. Alternative treatments for cystic acne can include anything from a cystic acne home remedy that contains ingredients right out of the kitchen cabinet, to a natural cystic acne treatment using a combination of plant based ingredients with healing properties. Lasers and nonablative radiofrequency, or deep heat treatments, are some of the high tech treatments also in use for this type of acne.