I started getting cystic acne in my youth, so I went to an array of dermatologists to clear it up with some successes and some failures. Presently, I am mid-age and still getting cystic acne but I have learned how to live with it and how to clear it up, so I wanted to share my thoughts on it.
First, cystic acne is one of the most severe types of acne in which the pores in the skin become blocked, leading to infection and inflammation and frankly they can hurt! Cystic acne can be painful and effect the appearance of your skin.
The main factors behind cystic acne are hormonal changes, not by what you eat or by poor hygiene. Cystic acne occurs when the infection is deep into the inner layers of the skin, creating a bump that can be painful to the touch. The pore has become clogged from skin cells, oil and bacteria creating infection and inflammation.
Cystic acne may be harder to extract than a regular pimple. When fully developed, other forms of acne may develop a “white head,” or a raised white point that can be squeezed to release pus from the clogged pore. Cystic lumps may not develop a white head. This is also called a “blind pimple” and honestly, can take a very long time to go away.
I recommend seeing a dermatologist right away and doing some research on cystic acne to understand how and why it is different than regular acne. A dermatologist can prescribe prescription treatments for severe cases of cystic acne. Some methods may not work for everyone, and it may take some experimentation to find out what works for you. Depending on the treatment, you may not see results for eight to twelve weeks.
What have I learned living with cystic acne for years is patience below are a few tips that have been helpful to me!
1). Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
2). Keep your hands away from the area.
3). Do not try popping it, especially if has not come to a white head. You’ll just irritate it and make it larger.
4). Moisturize your face with a water based facial cream (using small amounts). I have experienced the cyst shrinking dramatically this way instead of drying it out!
5). Take oral or topical prescriptions per your dermatalogist. I take an oral medication as needed.
6). Be patient! It will go away.
7). Alleviate your stress by doing yoga or something that brings you joy and relaxation.
Our skin is amazing and once you have gotten control of the inflammation of your acne you will see your skin renew itself, but of course there are some great treatments that are also very helpful with eliminating scars like. . . .
A. Microneedling
B. Chemical peels
C. Laser treatments
There is hope! I have learned to live with my cystic acne and as much as it irritates me I have found solutions that help me heal and treat it quickly!
I hope you have found this helpful and remember, you are beautiful.
YASOU!