What is cystic acne?
Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is an extreme and painful form of acne vulgaris. In this form, the skin develops swollen, fluid-filled cysts on the surface, creating painful pustules that are difficult to treat.
Cystic acne, which affects the face, is usually seen during the teenage years and is very difficult to treat. Acne breakouts are painful and noticeable and can cause permanent scarring if not treated properly. Most dermatologists consider cystic acne to be one of the most severe types of acne.
Severe cases of acne can offer numerous lingering effects that can leave the sufferer depressed and sometimes suicidal. This condition can permanently damage healthy skin at the low end, leaving undesirable scars that cannot be diminished. Many victims of this condition show shame and are embarrassed by the condition.
What causes nodulocystic acne?
The primary cause of cystic acne is an overproduction of sebum, an oily substance naturally produced in the body. It occurs when pores close to the sebaceous glands get clogged with excess sebum, the buildup of dead skin cells, and cosmetics. Sebum produced in the body finds no release since the pores are clogged and, as a result, starts accumulating beneath the skin. The accumulated sebum causes the area to become inflamed. The condition gets aggravated further as bacterial growth sets in. The growth of bacteria worsens the condition, and the area becomes infected, causing inflamed lesions.
Adolescents are more prone to this condition because of the hormonal changes they experience. Hormonal cystic acne causes sebum to be produced in greater quantity. Adolescents experience dramatic enlargement of the sebaceous glands because of the androgens the body produces. Androgen is a hormone that stimulates sebum production.
Heredity is another cause of cystic acne, as it affects how pronounced the problem is. If a parent suffers from severe acne, most likely, the children will be more susceptible to cystic acne. Nodules and cysts that produce inflammation and pus on the skin are common symptoms. These lesions can last for months and cause pain and damage to the skin.
Symptoms of cystic acne
Aside from being the most serious form of acne, cystic acne also tends to be the largest. It’s also deeper within the skin. All other types appear to rest on top of the skin’s surface. Cystic acne often looks like it boils on the skin. Other symptoms of cystic acne include:
- Large pus-filled cyst
- Large white bump
- Redness
- Tender or painful to the touch
Cystic acne is perhaps most noticeable on a person’s face. But they’re also common on the chest, neck, back, and arms. Cystic acne may even develop on the shoulders and behind the ears.
Cystic Acne Treatment
Cystic acne treatment has a very low success rate due to the nature of this condition. In the article below, we’ll discuss all available options for treatment for cystic acne. How do treat cystic acne? If you suffer from cystic acne, you are probably aware of how difficult it is to treat it and how embarrassing it can be. You might be feeling hopeless or frustrated with your acne condition. The good news is that there are several effective treatments for cystic acne. We will review different treatments for cystic acne that have proven to be very effective.
Listed below are the most common methods of cystic acne treatment.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Many popular over-the-counter acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide. It is one of the most effective over-the-counter medications for acne because it allows oxygen formation in clogged pores. The oxygen causes acne bacteria to die. 10% benzoyl peroxide is among the highest concentrations and is available in many kinds of soaps, facial cleansers, creams, and gels.
Retinoids
Retin-A is a widely used retinoid prescription acne treatment that is one of the best cystic acne treatments. It comes as a topical cream or gel. It works by unblocking pores and allowing cell growth to increase. Retin-A is offered at different strengths and concentration levels and can have some side effects when applied. It is best to discuss with your doctor what concentration of Retin-A is best for your skin type.
Peeling Process
This hormonal acne treatment is proven to work with the fewest side effects. It does a good job of getting rid of dead cells and even cleans infectious bacteria from the underlying layers of the skin. However, as with other treatments for cystic acne, results will significantly vary depending on the severity of your condition.
Accutane
This “drug” is immensely effective for hormonal acne treatment, but extreme caution is advised. Overusing Accutane could result in extreme drying of the skin, muscle pains, and severe weakness. It is a powerful drug that works well for acne treatment but can be hazardous if overused. Speak with your dermatologist if you have specific questions regarding this treatment.
Laser Treatment
Depending on the severity of your acne, laser treatment might effectively remove any scarring and underlying problems.
Surgical Drainage
This procedure may be best for the most severe cases of cystic acne. Surgical drainage can be performed when acne cysts don’t respond to over-the-counter and prescription treatments. This procedure is usually used as a last resort but is often very effective for reducing the size and inflammation of acne cysts.
The other type of cystic acne treatment is the use of natural remedies. Natural remedies for cystic acne are a safe and effective alternative to over-the-counter and prescription medications. Best of all, natural remedies for cystic acne cause no side effects and are cost-effective compared to other types of cystic acne treatment.
Acne is no doubt one of the most common diseases. There are also many types of acne, and various treatment plans are available for each type. This disease is technically called acne vulgaris and affects millions worldwide, primarily teenagers. Acne outbreaks affect nearly everyone at some point in their lives. As stated before, there are several types of acne; however, one of the worst types is cystic acne.
Natural remedies for cystic acne
Natural remedies for cystic acne have shown positive results. It has no side effects, so most people want to try its effectiveness. Listed below are natural remedies for nodulocystic acne
Home remedies for cystic acne—the most popular approach to nodulocystic acne treatment
Home remedies for cystic acne are a safe and effective alternative to harmful medications and prescriptions. Cystic acne is a common and severe form of acne that usually appears on the face and back. This form of acne is most common in teenagers and young adults.
It is often embarrassing to have, but several home remedies for cystic acne are listed below.
Aloe Vera
- Aloe vera is an excellent home remedy for acne. It is applied directly to the affected areas of the skin and will help heal not only cystic acne but all forms of acne.
Apple Cider vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar is an age-old home remedy that is very effective in treating all forms of acne. It neutralizes the skin’s pH value.
Honey and Aspirin
- Make a paste with ground aspirin and water to exfoliate the affected areas. After rinsing with warm water, apply honey directly to the exfoliated skin. The honey will act as a moisturizer and double as an antibacterial agent to fend off the bacteria that form the cysts.
Baking soda
- Mix baking soda with water and use it as a face pack. The absorbent nature of baking soda removes any excess oils from the skin. Adding sea salt to this paste effectively calms inflamed nodulocystic acne.
Mango
- Make a face pack using pulped mango, lemon juice, and water. Leave it on for an hour and rinse it off with warm water.
Note: It is essential to give home remedies for cystic acne time to work and realize results will vary from person to person.
Acupuncture for cystic acne: an ancient Chinese natural treatment for cystic acne
Acupuncture for cystic acne and Chinese herbal medicine (pill or granule form) are used together. This is a powerful combination for achieving clear skin quickly and long-term results.
Results are often very quick when using acupuncture for cystic acne. Patients report changes in the skin within 2 to 4 weeks. Inflammation has completely reduced, and new breakouts are much more infrequent. Clear skin may be noted within six weeks. Everyone responds differently to treatments, and times may vary from patient to patient.
Acupuncture for nodulocystic acne aims to balance and fix the root cause of the problem; therefore, long-term results should be achieved without staying on them.
Acupuncture can be especially helpful to those sensitive to medication and those who don’t want to go through the harsh side effects of some prescription drugs. Most often, healing nodulocystic acne with acupuncture takes time, as do the consistency of treatments and lifestyle changes.
Homeopathic remedies for cystic acne—the #1 treatment for cystic acne
Unlike other treatments for cystic acne, homeopathy treatment for cystic acne treats the disorder from the root and doesn’t cause any side effects. It suggests customized homeopathic remedies for individuals based on their health history, likes and dislikes, temperament, and causative factors. Homeopathy treatment helps in the following ways:
- Controls the tendency to have cystic acne
- Addresses underlying hormonal disturbances causing nodulocystic acne
- Reduces excessive oiliness of the skin
- Prevent acne scarring
Below are just a few of the many possible homeopathic remedies for cystic acne:
Silicea
- This homeopathic remedy for nodulocystic acne gives good results. It is very effective for cystic acne, which is rosy red and filled with pus. Silicea gives good results for nodulocystic acne in patients who feel extremely cold and always want to keep themselves warm. Cystic acne is usually very large and painful. Silicea also treats the scars caused by nodulocystic acne.
Pulsatilla
- If eating fatty or rich foods worsens your cystic acne and heat or warmth aggravates it, try this homeopathic remedy. It is indicated around puberty or when acne breaks out near menstrual periods. The person often has a fair complexion and is inclined toward soft emotions and moodiness, feeling worse in warm or stuffy rooms and better in fresh air.
Antimonium Tartaricum
- This remedy may be helpful for nodulocystic acne, which has large pustules that are tender to the touch and bluish-red marks that remain on the skin after an active infection has passed. The person may be irritable and have a low resistance to illness.
Hepar Sulphuricum
- Homeopathic medicine Hepar sulphuricum is another great remedy for treating nodulocystic acne filled with pus. It gives very good results in the early stages of cyst formation. Hepar sulphuricum helps stop pus formation, which can be aborted in a few hours. It also helps control the pain arising from pus formation.
Other homeopathic remedies for cystic acne
- Suppose a person with frequent pimples and skin eruptions is chilly with clammy hands and feet, easily tired by exertion, and flabby or overweight. In that case, this remedy may help improve the skin’s resistance to infection. People who need this remedy are often anxious when overworked and crave sweets and eggs.
- This homeopathic remedy for cystic acne is effective when acne becomes large and eventually becomes a boil. This kind of boil is associated with severe, stinging pain. Tarantula is strongly indicated for cystic acne, which occurs in the armpits with a sharp pain that is present at all times. This medicine also acts well for nodulocystic acne, which takes a long time to heal, boils, and tends to ulcerate.
Conclusion on treatment for nodulocystic acne
While allopathic treatment for nodulocystic acne is not often successful, natural treatment for cystic acne is effective, safe, and affordable. Dr. Tsan and associates at the Philadelphia Holistic Clinic successfully treat cystic acne using holistic methodologies, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Medicinal Herbs, Homeopathy, and more. For your appointment for an initial evaluation, contact our clinic at (267) 403-3085 or use our online application.
