Acne is a common skin condition in which pimples, papules, pustules, or nodules develop on the skin. Cystic acne is a type of acne that develops deep under the skin, resulting in large and painful bumps that commonly appear on the face, back, or chest and can linger on the body for days to weeks.
Cystic acne is caused by clogged pores, which occur when bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum become trapped beneath the skin’s surface and become infected, resulting in a large, swollen cyst that is painful to touch.
Factors that contribute to the development of cystic acne include:
- The buildup of bacteria and oil (This is not caused by the face not being washed but by environmental factors)
- Products used on the skin
- Wearing makeup
- Wearing tight clothing for extended periods of time
- Hormones
- Acne is common during puberty and adolescence, when hormones increase
- Menopause
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
- Certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Use of androgen replacement therapy (ART) or other types of hormone therapy
- Genetics
- Acne often runs in families
- Diet
- Some people may find certain foods trigger their acne
- Stress
- Stress can be a trigger for some people
What Are Symptoms of Cystic Acne?
Symptoms of cystic acne include cystic lesions that resemble boils, which are:
- Lumps under the skin
- Pus-filled
- Painful
- Red
- Inflamed
How Is Cystic Acne Diagnosed?
Cystic acne is diagnosed with a skin examination by a dermatologist. There are other skin conditions that can look like acne, but they are not, and different treatment is needed. This is why it is important to get a diagnosis of acne from a dermatologist to rule out conditions that have a similar appearance.
What Is the Best Treatment for Cystic Acne?
Mild or moderate cystic acne may sometimes be treated at home. Home treatments to prevent or treat cystic acne include:
- Topical over-the-counter (OTC) creams
- Retinoid A (adapalene)
- Warm compresses to soothe inflammation and possibly help encourage pus to come to the surface
- Wash twice daily and after sweating and rinse with lukewarm water
- Use gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and apply with fingertips
- Don’t scrub skin and avoid washcloths or sponges that can irritate the skin
- Use gentle products on the skin
- Use alcohol-free products
- Use products that don’t cause acne – look for the following words on product labels:
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil free
- Won't clog pores
- Non-acnegenic
- Avoid products that can irritate skin because they can aggravate acne
- Don’t pick, squeeze, or pop pimples
- Picking at acne can make it take longer to go away and may increase the risk of scarring
- Cover cysts with an adhesive bandage if needed and keep nails short to discourage picking
- Modify your diet
- In some cases, a low glycemic index (low GI) may help
- Limit or avoid high GI foods such as white bread, pasta, and potatoes
- Avoid homemade acne “remedies” which can irritate and clog pores, and do not work to get rid of cystic acne, such as:
- Toothpaste
- Baking soda
- Honey
- Sugar
- If home remedies do not work to get rid of cystic acne, medications to treat cystic acne include:
- Antibiotics to fight infections and reduce inflammation
- Spironolactone to regulate oil production
- Steroid shots injected directly into cysts to reduce inflammation and lessen pain
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe cases
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https://www.floridamedicalclinic.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-cystic-acne/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acne-beyond-the-basics?search=cystic%20acne&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3