Cystic Acne - What Is It and How Is It Treated?

Cystic Acne is a severe form of acne that can be very painful and leave scarring. It typically takes many courses of treatments to get it under control. Many different factors affect the severity and development of the infection on an individual. Like with any other form of acne, a breakout of cystic acne can be at any age on anyone, although it has been found to occur more often in teenage boys and young men. It has also been found to be hereditary. So if your father or mother had it, then you are more predisposed to have it as well.

The causes of cystic acne are the same as with any other form of acne. Cysts and nodules can develop and become very painful lumps in the skin. Because of the severity of this form of acne, a dermatologist should be consulted on the treatment of the initial out break and for the long-term treatment of it. This form of acne can cause scarring because the nodules and cysts can damage and at times destroy the health of the skin. Picking at the cysts and nodules should never be done. By picking at them it can lead to scarring and worsening of the acne.

General treatment for cystic acne is usually a powerful medication to treat the infection. It can be very hard to control. It may take several different forms and combinations of treatments before finding the right one that works. Because it can take a while to find that one treatment that works, many patients are discouraged and decided to not go back to their doctor for further treatment. One shouldn’t give up if the first treatment doesn’t work. Because every individual’s symptoms and needs will vary, it is often difficult for the physician to find the right combination of treatments that will work.

There are many different methods to treat cystic acne. Generally it will occur mostly on the face although it may affect the back and chest depending on the severity. A dermatologist will start with a topical form of treatment first. Then they will customize the treatment depending on the patient’s reaction to the first treatment and its affect on the acne. Once the acne is under control, it might take a consultation with a dermatologist to prevent future severe outbreaks. These outbreaks can cause further scarring and skin damage and a specialist should also monitor long-term treatment. Acne can never be cured but it can be treated.