Dermatologists Swear by This Treatment for Cystic Acne (2024)

Cystic acne flare-up is arguably the most emotionally and physically draining uphill battle.

We all have experienced ill-timed acne before an event.

They have ruined a lot of meant-to-be perfect days.

Where most acnes are just at the surface, cystic acne stems deep into the skin.

This makes the treatment of cystic acne a tall order.

The condition’s cause can be food triggers, hormonal changes, or stress.

Timely treatment for cystic acne is imperative.

But how can you treat cystic acne?

In this article, we deconstruct the best dermatologists’ recommendations.

What is Cystic Acne?

There are different kinds of acne. They come in many forms, sizes, and shapes.

Cystic acne is one of the most severe kinds of acne.

It is characterized by the formation of “sensitive, inflamed nodules beneath the skin.”

Blocked pores can get bigger, producing cysts beneath the skin.

If these cysts burst, they can result in inflammation and the loss of the skin’s basic structure, including normal hair follicles and collagen.

The chin and jaw are the darling places for acne development.

In addition to the face, acne can also develop on the back, chest, and shoulders.

What causes acne cysts?

Clogged pores are the immediate cause of acne.

The skin produces a natural oil. The oil may block the pores, resulting in inflammation, swelling, and bacterial colonization in the pore.

This blockage can be because of a few variables like:

• Hormonal fluctuations like pregnancy, menopause, and puberty
• Certain medications like Steroids or oral contraceptives
• Conditions that may affect the menstrual cycle like Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOS)
• Stress and depression release some hormones in the body that may cause an acne flare-up
• Some people may face acne because of genetics
• Lifestyle changes and an unhealthy diet

Other factors contributing to the worsening of cystic acne include prolonged use of heavy cosmetics and improper removal.

The variables listed above can both cause and worsen acne.

To find the most effective treatment for cystic acne, you need to diagnose the root cause.

How to treat cystic acne?

The treatment of cystic acne is a challenging task.

However, AAD is optimistic that a derm can treat any acne with a proper diagnosis.

Dermatologists recommend a combination of treatments like topical and oral.

The prescriptions have to be paralleled by lifestyle changes and a healthy diet.

To provide long-term solutions, the following treatments or combinations shall be adopted on recommendation from a derm:

Topical treatment for cystic acne

The topical prescription for cystic acne comes in many forms:

• Retinoids: the essential ingredient present in Retinoids is Tretinoine, Adapalene, or Retinol.

  Vitamin A is the primary source of retinoids.They are occasionally used with topical antibiotics to optimize their efficacy.

  Retinoids used topically are available in creams, gels, and lotions for everyday usage.

  A Ret Gel 0.01% is a trusted Retinoid-based topical acne treatment.

• Antibiotics: When cystic acne occurs due to the colonization of bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes), antibiotics are the best solution. They also ensure the prevention of acne.

• Benzoyl Peroxide inhibits bacterial growth and prevents pores from becoming clogged

Oral medications

Where topical medications are effective for micromanaging cystic acne, systemic prescriptions have a fuller effect on the body.

• Spironolactone: This medication works best for inflammation-induced acne. It reduces the Androgen levels in the body and is not recommended for pregnant women.

• Oral Contraceptive: These contain Estrogen, which helps improve the acne cycle.

• Retinoids: These come in both topical and oral medication forms. 85% of the patients got clear skin with the help of Retinoids. They are an effective treatment for cystic acne; however, they are not recommended for pregnant women.

• Antibiotics: Cystic acne treatment antibiotics can help decrease the severity of acne and eventually treat it.

Some of the medicines mentioned above are available OTC.

However, they are not effective as compared with Derm prescribed treatments.

Treating cystic acne on the back

Over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for cystic acne may not be efficient when they occur on the back.

Where cystic acne treatment on the chin is viable, the back can be a distant battle.

Acne on the back is one of adolescents’ or young adults’ most common issues.

Where cystic acne treatment for adults can have many possible reasons, in the case of adolescents, puberty is often the culprit.

In addition to the above-said treatments, your dermatologist may suggest

• Drainage: to limit the infection; your doctor may cut and drain the cyst

• Corticosteroid: Injections of steroids into a cyst might diminish its size and severity

• Prednisone: This option is often taken up when the case of cystic acne is serious

Only a doctor can prescribe the best method to carry out the treatment. Gels like A Ret Gel 0.01% are often the preferred choices.

Consult the doctor if you have acne on your back with sharp, red bumps further under the skin.

Natural treatment for cystic acne

At-home remedies are the first line of treatment for any condition.

While we cannot guarantee that these remedies will eliminate a bulge overnight, they will help with prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Mask out the acne

A few masks can be easily made at home that may help fight acne.

You can crush an Aspirin and mix it with water to make a paste.

Apply it to the cysts and wash it off.

Aspirin consists of Salicylic acid that helps treat inflammation on the skin.

Another substance that has anti-inflammatory properties is turmeric.

Make a mask of turmeric and apply it to the skin for not more than 30 minutes.

Ice the flame

Rub the ice on the skin, preferably, in circular motions.

This will help tone down the acne as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Keep an eye on your diet

This one is complicated. Each of us is exclusive, and our bodies have distinct preferences, aversions, and sensitivities.

Nevertheless, if you routinely experience cystic breakouts, modifying your diet (or avoiding certain foods) might be the most constructive home cure and treatment for cystic acne.

Go for the greens and stay clear from oily and fried food.

Eating Prebiotics like curd and kefir can also help as they encourage clear skin.

Meditate and do not pick!

Stress is one of the realities that not only affects mental but physical health as well.

Meditation can be one of the best treatments for cystic acne for adults.

Adolescents, too, may get stressed from school.

Meditation exercises like yoga can help settle the mind.

Cystic acne’s favorite spot is the face’s jaw or chin area.

The temptation to pick them out will always lure you as they are pretty visible when you look in the mirror.

However, picking the acne will only encourage it to grow and infect the surrounding.

Skincare but with caution!

Following a simple skincare routine is essential.

We have a lot of DIY skin care products and influencers preaching the same.

However, every skin is unique, and what works for one may harm the other.

It is best advised to confirm with your derm the products and techniques you use.

The bottom line

Treatment for cystic acne can be painful and expensive.

However, with the above-listed over-the-counter treatments for acne and at-home remedies, you can be ready for clear skin.

Frequent cystic explosions can be a severe issue that a dermatologist can only remedy.

Frequently Asked Questions