Don't Overlook Cystic Acne: Understand its Causes and Treatments

Having acne during adolescence is almost like a rite of passage; everyone experiences this as they step into adulthood. With the onset of puberty, teenagers go through an enormous number of changes, hormonally and in many the other ways. Making visible acne fairly in teenagers fairly common.

However, the problem arises when cystic acne starts coming to the forefront. This is not a common condition and requires timely treatment. Therefore, understanding the severity of cystic acne is essential, which can only be done with the proper knowledge.

Understanding cystic acne is complicated from the beginning, so it is advised to know all that you can before starting treatment. If you are looking for a deep insight into this condition, you’ve come to the right place!

This article will give you in-depth information about cystic acne, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.

What is cystic acne?

To explain simply cystic acne is a condition wherein an individual experiences large, painful, and red breakouts. Pimples start to erupt when our sebaceous glands start producing sebum, an oily substance in more quantity than needed. This clogs the pores which then traps bacteria inside, forming a swollen red eruption.

The symptoms produced by acne are familiar to everyone, but it is vital to remember that cystic acne differs from the usual acne that everyone experiences growing up. When the infection goes deep into the skin, that is when cystic acne starts to form bumps filled with pus. If this cyst bursts, the infection spreads, causing severe changes to your facial appearance.

It is advised to seek treatment soon, as the breakouts spread fast. You must consider seeking the right treatments ASAP.

Symptoms of cystic acne

Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne. The first symptom of cystic acne is that it becomes severely visible, producing cysts and causing significant physical, and mental discomfort. The usual acne is seen during puberty, and folks with oily skin do not have any physical symptoms. However, physical pain, size of the pimple (cyst), and redness shall be examined to rule out whether an individual is experiencing cystic acne. Now, let’s look at the causes of the same.

Causes of cystic acne

As mentioned above, when an individual’s sebaceous gland produces an oily substance called sebum, more than naturally required, that’s when cystic acne starts occurring. Hormone called androgen plays a critical role here, it is the same hormone that increases during the teenage years, causing acne. The increased circulation of androgen results in a dramatic increase in sebum production. Normal sebum helps to protect the scalp and skin, but over-production causes pores to get clogged.

Cystic acne appears to be more ruptured and stinging, and its occurrence is not restricted to teenagers only.

There are several other causes other than sebum production as well.

• Menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause

• Greasy skincare and make-up products

• High humidity and sweating

• Side-effects of medications

• Being genetically susceptible

As you may know, there are many myths encircling the causes of acne as well. Let us look at some myths dismissed by our dermatologists.

• Dietary choices, greasy foods, chocolates, and nuts

• Maintaining poor hygiene and not washing your face enough

• Engaging in masturbation or any sexual activity

Risk factors and complications

Most likely, cystic acne occurs in the teenage and early 20s, but its radar can start from kids of 8 years old up to 50 years old. It can potentially affect an individual’s shoulders, upper arms, back, chest, and, obviously, face.

A woman’s lower half of the face generally falls prey to cystic acne, while severe cystic acne is typically expected in men. Lastly, if an individual’s parents had severe cystic acne, the offspring would be more susceptible to it. The main complication that torments an individual is the uneven permanent marks that it leaves. They could be ice-pick scars, wider pits, red scars, and shallow depressions in the skin.

Prevention and treatment of cystic acne

Before looking at the treatments, let us look at some tips of prevention that will aid in reducing the risk of regular acne turning cystic:

• For men shaving with care by making the beard soft with soapy water is advised.

• Being rough on your skin can elevate the chances.

• Over-exposing yourself to the sun and UV rays can also increase the risk.

• People with oily hair are advised to keep the scalp oil-free.

• Avoid touching your face as much as possible, as the bacteria can spread.

• Wash your face with a mild facewash in the morning and before sleep.

• Always remove your make-up before sleeping.

Here, genetic factors play an essential role as well. External factors can only be controlled to a large extent, however, this is not the case with genetics.

Here are some treatment options available.

1. Benzoyl peroxide: It reduces inflammation and kills bacteria. It also breaks down blackheads and whiteheads. Although there are alcohol and water-based formulations of benzoyl peroxide, the usage depends on your skin type. It can be available in soap, lotions, or creams. However, the most common side effect of it is skin irritation.

2. Isotretinoin: It is an effective prescription drug known for attacking all causes of acne. Women must remember that they cannot get pregnant while on this medication, as it can lead to losing the unborn child. Isotretinoin is very effective and the first-in-line treatment for severe acne, but it comes with side effects attached to it. Some of them are eye and genital dryness, joint pain, chapped lips, increased lipid levels, liver damage, and depression.

3. Birth control pills: Long-term treatments can involve birth control pills as they regulate a woman’s hormones. It mainly suppresses sebum production and can be prescribed for six months or more.

4. Steroid Injections: Injecting a corticosteroid medication directly into cystic acne called triamcinolone at your dermatologist’s clinic is advised when all the other oral and applied methods do not showcase signs of improvement.

5. Retinoid: It is a form of Vitamin A available in creams, lotions, gels, or foams for physical application. It can unclog the pores and help let the antibiotics work.

The bottom line

Cystic acne brings about significant changes in facial and physical appearance as it affects an individual physically. It can also affect the person’s mental health aversely. One can lose self-esteem and have issues dealing with uneven skin. Long-term effects on mental health include anxiety and depression.

It is believed that delayed treatments, when it comes to cystic acne, can cause severe damage to the face. One negative is that the treatment comes underlined with a chance of leaving permanent residual marks on the face. This is when makeO skinnsi enters the chat!

At makeO skinnsi we have specialized dermatologists that will make your life easy. We provide effortless skincare and self-care at home; with a click of a button with pocket-friendly rates. Furthermore, we ensure that the prescribed treatments are being done regularly with follow-ups. So, get your cystic acne treatment and cystic acne removal done with utmost convenience today.

Coming to you with the latest technology in the skincare industry, why not give makeO skinnsi a try!

About makeO

makeO is the first of its kind at-home oral and skin care services in India, that is focussed on providing technology and science-backed solutions to its customers.

makeO will offer expert-backed oral and skin care solutions such as teeth alignment with clear aligners, laser hair removal, hydra facial, acne treatment services, anti-ageing treatments, and premium products, including electric toothbrush, teeth whitening kit, aligner cleaning foam, face wash, toner, etc. – all of which are available directly at customers’ doorstep as well as at makeO experience centres and partner clinics.