What Is Cystic Acne?

Most people have experienced the occasional breakout. Cystic acne is a much more intense skin condition that causes painful acne bumps to form under the skin’s surface. The bumps are filled with infected pus, causing swelling and inflammation. For people looking to achieve clearer skin fast, knowing the right products to purchase is essential.

The science of breakouts

Acne is the result of dead skin cells and oil accumulating on the skin. Acne can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, back, chest, or thighs. Acne cysts differ from regular whiteheads and blackheads and are usually larger, painful, inflamed, and filled with pus. With cystic acne, bacteria combine with the oil and dead skin cells to create pimples in the dermis layer of the skin. This form of acne can lead to permanent scarring in the form of hyperpigmentation or pitted scars that create visible depressions in the skin.

Treating acne cysts

Doctors caution patients against popping cystic bumps. This can spread acne to other areas and cause infection or scarring. To treat these deep cysts, patients should reach out to a dermatologist. A medical professional will treat the acne using topical or oral medication. Oral treatments include retinoids, antibiotics, steroids, and birth control, while topical treatment consists of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. Doctors may also use cortisone injections to treat breakouts. Although many acne treatments prescribed by a dermatologist require a prescription, some are available over the counter (OTC) at the pharmacy.

Natural acne-fighting remedies

Doctors may also suggest a change in diet. Diets low in sugar, carbohydrates, and dairy but high in vitamins and nutrients can help keep acne breakouts at bay. Some patients even opt for natural home treatments involving turmeric, lemon, tea tree oil, and honey to treat acne and heal breakouts. Natural remedies can be helpful, but patients should also use medicated products to combat acne flare-ups.

Proper skincare from the pharmacy

When buying drugstore products, look for contents like benzoyl peroxide, retinol, adapalene, azelaic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and salicylic acid. These ingredients kill bacteria, slough away dead skin cells, unblock pores, and dissolve excess dirt and oil. Products with vitamin A, a retinoid, will unclog pores and improve the results of other medications. Retinoids also improve the skin’s tone and texture, lessening the effects of scarring. Patients can buy cleansers, toners, spot treatments, gels, and moisturizers with these ingredients.

Say goodbye to breakouts

Patients struggling with cystic acne should consult a dermatologist with expert knowledge about acne and acne-fighting treatments. Prescription medications are most effective in treating cystic acne, but certain OTC treatments from the pharmacy can also help. With the right combination of acne-fighting ingredients, breakouts will be a problem of the past.