Cystic Acne: What Is It, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne. People with cystic acne develop pus-filled cysts (pimples) deep under the skin. The acne cysts are often painful and can be large. If you suspect you might have cystic acne, there are some important things to keep in mind.
What is cystic acne?
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterized by large, painful bumps. It tends to occur in the lower part of your face, around your jawline and chin.
The symptoms of cystic acne are caused by inflammation or infection in the sebaceous glands (glands that produce oil) and hair follicles. This can be triggered by hormones or stress - or simply genetics!
What are the symptoms of cystic acne?
Cystic acne is caused by the same factors that cause regular acne. However, it presents itself in a more severe manner and can be difficult to treat. The symptoms of cystic acne include:
Redness and inflammation of the skin (the most common symptom)
Pus-filled bumps (called nodules) under your skin that are painful when touched or squeezed
Blackheads or whiteheads (open comedones) on top of your skin's surface
If you have these symptoms, visit our clinic for a free evaluation as soon as possible. Early treatment of cystic acne can prevent acne scarring.
Causes of cystic acne
There are a number of factors that can cause cystic acne. The most common causes include:
Hormonal changes. During puberty and pregnancy, women experience hormonal changes that cause an increase in oil production and the production of sebum (the natural skin lubricant). This leads to clogged pores and the formation of pimples.
Diet. A diet high in carbohydrates and sugar or not drinking enough water can contribute to breakouts by increasing inflammation in your body's tissues.
Genetics. Acne specialists agree that you are more likely to develop cystic acne if either of your parents suffered from it.
Cystic Acne Treatment
There are several treatment options for cystic acne, including antibiotics, topical and oral medications and laser therapy.
At My Acne Clinic, our clients have been successful in treating cystic acne with our drug-free acne treatment plan, which includes:
Acne Laser Treatment - Laser treatment for acne (LHE) is fast-acting, providing a complete treatment within 30 days. Based on clinical studies, LHE has been shown to clear acne lesions up to 90% after a 4-week treatment course.
Acne Facial - Manual skin purifying treatments are performed after laser treatments have reduced skin infections. Treatment includes manual extraction of blackheads, milia and pustules. Proper removal of these lesions results in clearer, healthier skin with decreased chance of inflammation and bacterial spreading. A customized acne facial mask and antibacterial ozone therapy are also applied.
Acne Scar Treatment - The next step is to treat acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Acne scar treatments include glycolic acid treatment, Plexr Plus, Morpheus 8 and microneedling.
Acne Specialists in Surrey & the Greater Vancouver Area
We hope that you now have a better understanding of cystic acne treatments. If you are still struggling with this skin condition, we encourage you to talk with our acne specialists. There are many treatments available today that can help clear up these painful cysts quickly!
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