Treatment for Cystic Acne: Ways to Get It Treated and Removed

Treatment for cystic acne can be quite challenging. Typically, you should consult a dermatologist and steer clear of home treatments and remedies without a dermat's expert opinion. Acne is a normal part of life and isn't something only teenagers have to deal with. If you've ever suffered from cystic acne, you know how frustrating it can be.

In this article, we will discuss the prevention and treatment of cystic acne. Acne treatment is not a panacea; it may take trial and error to find one that helps your specific case with minimal discomfort. However, know that you're not alone and that there are effective treatments available.

Treatment for Cystic Acne: What is Cystic Acne?

Acne can be of different types and needs to be treated accordingly. (Image via Pexels/Anna Nekrashevich)

Inflammatory acne, such as cystic acne, causes painful, pus-filled pimples to form deep under the skin. When oil and dead skin cells block pores, acne develops.

Bacteria can also cause inflammation and swelling of the pores in cystic acne. Cystic acne is the most severe kind of acne. Acne cysts can be very uncomfortable and frequently result in scarring.

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne, but pimples can appear in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They manifest subcutaneously as tender, inflammatory nodules.

Check out the common types of acne and how to get rid of them.

Treatment for Cystic Acne: Cystic Acne Removal

You shouldn't pop your acne, as it can lead to permanent scarring. (Image via Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch)

Treatment for cystic acne can be quite challenging. It's best to see a dermatologist instead of relying on drugstore treatments for acne to avoid scarring.

Acne cysts may not completely disappear for three months or more. A combination of oral antibiotics, topical gels, and creams with prescription strength is commonly used to treat this condition.

Check out the following treatment for cystic acne you can try:

Gels, solutions, and lotions containing antibiotics are used to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
One can use salicylic acid or azelaic acid (Azelex®, Finacea®) to eliminate bacteria and shed extra skin.
Killing off skin bacteria with benzoyl peroxide.
Vitamin A derivatives called retinoids (including adapalene, tretinoin, and tazarotene) are useful for exfoliating dead skin.

Some alternatives to antibiotic treatment for cystic acne are:

Large, painful acne cysts are often treated with corticosteroid injections because of how quickly and effectively they work to reduce inflammation and swelling.
The incision and drainage method is useful for releasing pus from an acne cyst.
Women with cystic acne often take a birth control pill or spironolactone to reduce their hormone levels.
Oral retinoid known as isotretinoin.

Treatment for Cystic Acne at Home

Retinoid creams are one of the OTC creams you can use for treatment of cystic acne. (Image via Flickr)

You can attempt the following treatment for cystic acne at home.

Make use of Retinoid A topical creams (adapalene). You can get stronger retinoids from a dermatologist.
To reduce swelling and pain, apply warm compresses. Do not use hot water, and use a fresh washcloth. That may assist in bringing pus to the surface, but once it's there, it's best not to pop the pimple.
Makeup should be removed nightly before sleeping. Choosing non-comedogenic or oil-free products may also be beneficial in the fight against blemishes.
A mild facial cleanser is recommended. Scrubbing too roughly can aggravate already dry skin, prompting it to produce even more oil in an attempt to restore its natural moisture balance. At the very least, you should be washing your face with a mild cleanser every night before bed.
To reduce irritation and slow the spread of infection, you should refrain from picking at your skin. Keep your nails short and cover cysts with an adhesive bandage if you find yourself inadvertently touching irritated areas.
Think about what you're putting into your body. Research suggests that adhering to a low-glycemic diet can reduce acne.
Do not apply toothpaste, baking soda, honey, or sugar as remedies to the skin. These ingredients can cause skin irritation and pore blockage and are ineffective against cystic acne.

Prevention of Cystic Acne

There are some basic lifestyle changes you can make in order to reduce acne problems. (Image via Flickr)

Now that we have discussed the various courses of treatment you can follow for acne, it's time to look at some preventive measures to reduce your chances of developing acne:

Wash your face with lukewarm water, a gentle foaming facial cleanser, and your fingers (not a washcloth or sponge) three times a day: when you first wake up, before you go to sleep, and after you've worked up a sweat.
If your skin is dry, use a moisturiser that doesn't contain oil.
Makeup and facial products should be noncomedogenic (water-based).
Never touch your face during the day.
Do not pick at or pop zits.
Keep your hair (which can be oily) off of your face and wash it regularly.
Some jobs, like those in fast food restaurants, can exacerbate acne because of the oily conditions they create.
The high glycemic index diet, which is high in both simple sugars and dairy, may also play a role in flare-ups.

Check out this best acne spot treatment for healthy skin.

Treatment for Cystic acne is painful and difficult, but it's possible to see improvement in symptoms and improve how you feel about your skin with time, care, and patience. There are various treatments for cystic acne you can adopt, but do so after consulting a dermatologist.