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Cystic Acne
Treatment
Cystic Acne is probably the most severe form of the skin condition
called Acne Vulgaris. In cystic acne, the acne may initially appear
similar to a nodule. It may look like a fairly large bump with a usual
diameter of 5mm or more. However, cystic acne refers precisely to the
fact that there is a pus-filled cyst growing under the skin and inside
the nodule. This cyst forms much deeper in the skin. Also,
inflammation due to the pus may be more painful. Deep scarring is also
common.
Before any treatment begins, it is important that you do not try to
squeeze or pop the acne cyst. Since the cyst is deeper in the skin,
squeezing may cause the infection to go deeper and spread across the
skin. This will cause the cyst to spread causing more damage.
Since this condition is more serious, cystic acne treatment must begin
as soon as possible. Cystic acne treatment must start immediately in
order to prevent the spread of the cysts as well as to control the
scarring. Sometimes, dermatologists choose to drain the pus from the
acne. After draining, a course of antibiotics must be taken.
Injections of cortisone is one of the possible treatments for cystic
acne. The cortisone can greatly reduce the inflammation. This is
carried out in an intralesional corticosteroid therapy. This therapy
is done by injecting a cortisone solution to each and every cyst. This
procedure also alleviates the felt swelling pain.
The more common cystic acne treatment is Isotretinoin, a drug commonly
marketed under the name, Accutane. This drug reduces the size of the
oil glands. With much less oil on the skin, there is less clogging in
the pores and less venue for bacterial growth. However, Isotretinoin
must be taken with great caution and with proper guidance from a
doctor. This drug is known to cause depression and psychosis. It is
also often related to the development of suicidal tendencies.
Moreover, Isotretinoin may cause birth defects in a fetus so it cannot
be taken by pregnant women at all. The person taking this drug must
abstain from sexual intercourse or take adequate birth control up to a
month after the last treatment. Because this drug is very strong, it
can cause side effects like dryness, itching and even nosebleeds.
Also, it may cause joint pain as well as nausea. Make sure that you
consult your doctor regularly in order to monitor the drug’s effects.
While not a common option for cystic acne treatment, acne surgery can
be considered. In this procedure, the doctor uses a round loop
extractor to manually remove materials that are trapped in the
follicles. A pointed instrument is used to enter the lesions,
releasing the materials trapped inside. This procedure can heal acne
fast but it must be done by a licensed medical professional.
Topical antibiotics can help decrease the bacteria in the skin,
reducing inflammation in the process. Hormonal treatments can also be
a great help since hormone therapy can help regulate the oil in the
skin. With less oil, there will be less clogging in the pores. For a
more natural treatment, tea tree oil can be applied on the acne. |
