Cystic Acne: What Is It, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment (2024)

How is cystic acne managed or treated?

Acne cysts can be difficult to treat. Because they can scar, you should seek help from a dermatologist instead of trying over-the-counter acne products. A dermatologist can teach you how to treat cystic acne.

It can take three months or more to clear up acne cysts. Treatment often involves taking oral antibiotics and applying prescription-strength topical gels or creams to the skin.

Cystic acne treatments include:

  • Antibiotic creams, gels solutions and lotions to kill bacteria and decrease inflammation.
  • Azelaic acid (Azelex®, Finacea®) or salicylic acid to kill bacteria and get rid of excess dead skin cells.
  • Benzoyl peroxide to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin.
  • Retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene among others), vitamin A derivatives that help slough dead skin cells.

What are other cystic acne treatments?

Other treatments for cystic acne include:

  • Corticosteroid injections: Used to quickly shrink large, painful acne cysts.
  • Incision and draining: Helps to open up an acne cyst and drain the pus.
  • Birth control pill or spironolactone: Used by women to lower hormone levels that cause cystic acne.
  • Isotretinoin: An oral retinoid (most commonly called Accutane).

What are the complications of cystic acne?

Opening up acne cysts — by popping or picking them — increases the risk of scarring and bacterial skin infections like cellulitis.

Some people develop pigment changes (light or dark) spots at the site of the acne cyst after the skin clears up. These spots may be pink, purple, red, black or brown. They eventually fade away, but it may take more than a year.

Cystic Acne: What Is It, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment (2024)

FAQs

Cystic Acne: What Is It, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment? ›

People with cystic acne develop pus-filled acne cysts (pimples) deep under the skin. The acne cysts are often painful and can be large. A dermatologist should treat cystic acne to reduce the risk of scarring and infection. Antibiotics and prescription-strength topical (skin) creams can help clear up your skin.

What is the cause of cystic acne? ›

Cystic acne is the result of your body attacking infection. It starts when oil and dead skin cells collect inside your hair follicles. These materials block the pores, creating the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria. These bacteria cause infections.

Is cystic acne caused by bacteria? ›

Causes of Cystic Acne

Cystic acne occurs when bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum (the substance that makes your face feel oily) get trapped beneath the skin's surface and become infected. This leads to a large, swollen cyst (bump) that can hurt just to touch.

Is cystic acne bad for your health? ›

In cystic acne, however, the distress may be greater, and the cysts may be painful. The importance of treatment is underlined by the risk of scarring from long-term cystic acne. This can produce long-term and permanent damage in the form of: small, deep pits, known as “ice-pick scars”

Why is my cystic acne spreading? ›

Cystic acne spreads by rupturing through your follicle walls, leaching bacteria into your skin and, in turn, forming new cysts. The depth at which this occurs below your skin escalates the severity of these lesions.

How to get rid of a cyst acne? ›

Corticosteroid injections: Used to quickly shrink large, painful acne cysts. Incision and draining: Helps to open up an acne cyst and drain the pus. Birth control pill or spironolactone: Used by women to lower hormone levels that cause cystic acne. Isotretinoin: An oral retinoid (most commonly called Accutane).

Can I pop cystic acne? ›

While a cystic pimple heals, it is important to be gentle with the skin. Do not try to pop, pick, or squeeze a cystic pimple. It may be tempting, but popping a pimple can introduce more bacteria to the pore, slow healing, drive the infection deeper into the skin, and increase the chance of scarring.

What diseases cause cystic acne? ›

Here are some acne-causing medical conditions to be aware of.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs among females and commonly affects the menstrual cycle. ...
  • Cushing's syndrome. ...
  • Androgen-secreting tumors.

Is cystic acne caused by bad hygiene? ›

Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also lead to episodes of acne in women. There's no evidence that poor hygiene or sexual activity play a role in acne.

What foods can cause cystic acne? ›

Dairy products can also contain hormones that can trigger breakouts. Other foods that made the list include sugar, fried foods, chocolate, and nuts. While avoiding all of these foods may not be possible, being aware of which foods are more likely to cause breakouts can help you make better choices.

Is draining cystic acne bad? ›

But no matter the type, you shouldn't pick at a cyst to pop it, as this can lead to infection. Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne. Unfortunately, this type of inflammatory cyst is also the most difficult to get rid of on your own.

What age is acne the worst? ›

Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old. For people who have widespread acne that is classed as moderate to severe, more intervention in the form of acne treatments is often required.

Can washing your face too much cause cystic acne? ›

Washing your face several times a day can further irritate your skin, leading to more breakouts. What to do instead: Wash your face twice a day — when you wake up and before you go to bed. You'll also want to wash your face when you finish an activity that makes you sweat. Dry out your skin.

What is the root cause of cystic acne? ›

Cystic acne — the most severe form of acne — occurs when oil and dead skin cells build up deep within hair follicles. The resulting rupture within your skin may form boil-like inflammation. Acne signs vary depending on the severity of your condition: Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)

What is the best medicine for cystic acne? ›

Oral acne medications
  • Antibiotics: Doxycycline, minocycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or erythromycin>
  • Spironolactone: Used only in adult women for cystic acne treatment. ...
  • Isotretinoin: Used only for severe acne that doesn't respond to other treatments (formerly known as brand name Accutane).

What is the best moisturizer for cystic acne? ›

For moisturizers with salicylic acid, consider the Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Acne Facial Moisturizer, Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer, or Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer, which all include salicylic acid in their formulas. Hyaluronic acid is another ingredient worth considering.

What hormone causes cystic acne? ›

Androgens. Androgens represent the most important of all hormones regulating sebum production. As of puberty, androgens stimulate sebum production and acne formation in both sexes. This androgen-dependent secretion of sebum is mediated by potent androgens such as testosterone and DHT and likewise with weaker androgens.

Is cystic acne stress? ›

The relationship between stress and acne has been misunderstood by many. Stress can't directly cause acne. However, studies have shown that if you already have acne, stress does make it worse. Researchers have found that wounds, including acne, are much slower in healing when a person is under stress.

How long does cystic acne last? ›

If ignored, cysts can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks to go away by themselves. Although your body will eventually deal with the inflammation, some cysts can persist for extended periods of time and often leave behind scars.

What is the main cause of acne on face? ›

Hormonal changes that make the skin oilier. These may be related to puberty, menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress. Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products. Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin).

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