Cystic acne break-outs can be painful and lead to deep scarring. Some dermatologists consider it to be the most severe kind because topical medications do not get to the root of the problem for acne home remedies. It heals extremely slowly because it is so deep that the infection is trapped under the skin. Cystic acne treatment is usually limited to oral medication so all cases should be taken to a dermatologist.
Isotretinoin is the most common and most potent drug prescribed for cystic acne treatment. It is a man-made form of retinoid (Vitamin A) that is taken in pill form. It is the only prescription that treats excess oil production, clogged skin pores, and inflammation. This pill is taken up to 20 weeks and commonly does not require more than one course of therapy to cure. The most serious side-effect to taking this medication is the possibility of birth defects to a developing fetus. For this reason, women are required to not be pregnant or get pregnant at any time during this treatment. Regular check-ups are scheduled for each patient using this medication to monitor any additional side effects.
Common side effects of using isotretinoin as a cystic acne treatment include: muscle aches, uncomfortable drying of the lips and eyes, depression, and chest pain. Some of these side effects can cause serious health problems in the future. Always contact your doctor if you notice any of these side effects.
Oral contraceptives are used as cystic acne treatment in females. It suppresses overactive sebaceous (oil producing) glands, and is safe to be used long-term. In addition to an oral contraceptive, the doctor may prescribe a synthetic steroid to inhibit other hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands.
If oral cystic acne treatment does not work, they may require drainage. This is considered acne surgery and should only be performed by a professional, in a sterile environment. If you attempt to squeeze or pick them yourself, the infection may last much longer than it would have. You may cause the infection to worsen and increase the inflammation and swelling.
For dramatically inflamed cysts, a dermatologist may decide to administer an injection with a highly-diluted corticosteroid to bring down the inflammation and increase the speed of healing. It is a generally painless procedure. It usually clears the cyst within a week and prevents rupturing and scarring. However, this is not the first choice of cystic acne treatment by most dermatologists because it only treats current acne.
In addition to the medications your dermatologist prescribes to you, be responsible for the health of your skin. Wash your face at least once a day, especially following exercise or other sweat-inducing activity. Do not wash your skin too often or it could result in drying out. Bursting of cystic acne will most likely result in acne scars, so avoid this at all costs. Make sure your hands and fingers stay away from your face. Your hands pick up dirt and germs with everything you touch and this coming in contact with your face can increase the chance of infection.
A great way to avoid or control cystic acne is to use a good face wash regime. Always exfoliate with something like Apricot Scrub to remove dead skin cells and clear your skin of blackheads. Then follow up with a tea tree oil based face wash. I always recommend The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil Face Wash as I’ve always found it clears and controls even the oiliest and irritated skin. Wash your face at least twice daily, but no more than three times a day to avoid over drying of your skin. The Body Shop also carries a full body wash made with Tea Tree Oil, for those who suffer from body acne.
Dabbing pure tea tree oil extract on an inflamed acne cyst can also dramatically reduce it and will sometimes cure your cystic acne and acne scars. I had a client who once had cystic acne form around her eyelids and she claimed to me that it was extremely sore to the touch and painful. I tried an experience with her by using one dab of tea tree oil on the affected area at night. Even knowing the powerful effect that tea tree oil has no problem skin, I was shocked myself to see that in the morning her cystic pimple had not only ceased hurting her, but it had also reduced to half the size it was the night before! We dabbed more tea tree oil on it after she used her morning face wash, and with another day it had completely vanished.
Be Darling 