An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled, and is described as having a diameter of 5mm or more across. They can be painful. Again, scarring is common with cystic acne. Squeezing an acne cyst may cause a deeper infection and more painful inflammation which will last much longer than if you had left it alone. Dermatologists often have ways of lessening swelling and preventing scarring, such as administering a cortisone shot.
A cyst is a severe form of acne that is filled with bacteria, white blood cells and dead skin. Cysts can be very painful and extend inside the skin damaging the skin tissue. In nodulocystic acne, cysts and nodules form together. Some experts say that cysts are severely infected nodules and should be called as such. Treatment of cysts is a challenging task. Because cysts invariably form scars, they need to be treated as soon as possible and before they damage more skin cells.
Acne cyst occurs because of the accumulation of bacteria underneath the skin that leads to the stimulation of painful and sore spots. These spots usually appear in small numbers. However, repeated occurrence of such spots is a matter of concern. Read through the following lines to know some effective remedies for curing cystic acne.
Treatment For Curing Cystic Acne:
Antibiotics:
Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, doxycycline (Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin) and erythromycin, are one of the highly advised medications for the treatment of acne cyst. These are powerful acne medications that attack the bacteria present in the cyst and help in reducing the inflammation from within. Keep in mind that these antibiotics are serious medications that must be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Female Contraceptives:
Female contraceptives are also said to be helpful in treating cystic acne. Constant production and release of high level of sebum triggers acne, increasing the release of the oleaginous fluids. This excessive flow of the greasy fluid can be controlled with the help of contraceptive pills. However, usage of contraceptives should be followed only under the supervision of a doctor. An unattended treatment of acne with contraceptives can lead to several side effects.
Interlesional Corticosteroid Injection:
It may so happen that an acne cyst ruptures, leaving a scar on the face. This happens when the acne becomes severely inflamed. Dermatologists inject such cysts with a much-diluted corticosteroid. The interlesional corticosteroid injection not only helps in reducing the inflammation, but promotes the healing process as well. The injection works by melting the cyst over a period of time, until it has dried out.
Drainage and Surgical Excision:
When the condition worsens, cysts no more respond to medications and hence, may require drainage or ablation. Drainage or acne surgery should never be performed by the patient himself. Remember, if you attempt to drain out the extract by squeezing or picking, it will only lead to infections, eventually leading to worsening of the acne and scarring. Dermatologists, who are trained in proper techniques of performing out the surgery, under aseptic conditions, should be consulted in such a situation.
Isotretinoin:
Isotretinoin is a synthetic retinoid that comes in the form of a pill and is prescribed for patients, suffering from severe cystic acne that cannot be treated with the help of other medications. It is the best acne treatment that one can receive today. The treatment is effective in curing all the four factors that make a person susceptible to acne – excess oil production, clogged skin pores, P. acne and inflammation. The pill is prescribed for a period of 16-20 weeks, wherein a patient needs to take one or two pills per day. Isotretinoin provides a longer relief from acne cyst than any other medicine available, and at times, only a single course of isotretinoin is required to cure acne.
Advice:
Stay out of the sun to prevent the burning of your sensitized skin after treatment.