About Medications for Cycstic Acne

Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is a form of acne that occurs in small cyst-like bumps on the skin. The cysts appear to be filled with pus or liquid, but do not pop when pressure is applied. Usually a patient will have to see a doctor to get cystic acne removed. Antibiotics, topical creams and sometimes injections are given by doctors to cure cystic acne. Cystic acne is considered to be the most severe form of acne. A patient is more likely to develop cystic acne in his teens, especially if one or both parents has experienced cystic acne.

Types

Medications for cystic acne fall into three categories: topical medications, oral antibiotics and surgical incisions or injections. Topical medications can include medications such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. A dermatologist may recommend starting with an over-the-counter medication and moving on to prescription-strength medications if the acne does not respond. For more severe acne, a dermatologist may prescribe oral antibiotics or surgical processes.

Function

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are frequently used to dry the excess oil that is produced on an acne sufferer's face. It may take a few weeks for the patient's face to adjust to the loss of oil, and dry patches and red marks may appear on the skin. Moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer twice a day to maintain the skin's balance. If two months have passed and the acne is still apparent, oral acne medications may be needed to work with the body's hormone balance. Oral contraceptives are sometimes prescribed to women who are experiencing hormonal shifts due to menstruation.

Time Frame

While it only takes a few weeks to see results with topical acne medication, it may take 6 to 8 weeks for oral antibiotics to work. If it has been several months and the cystic acne has not responded to oral antibiotics, surgical processes like incisions or injections may be given. After being given a corticosteriod injection directly into a nodule on the face or back, the individual cyst may go away in a matter of days, but this is only a temporary solution and will not prevent cystic acne from coming back in the future.

Misconceptions

It is a misconception that cystic acne is caused by poor diet or hygiene. In fact, it may be more damaging to the sensitive skin affected by cystic acne if it is overly scrubbed or washed with harsh materials. It is not proven that a poor diet affects acne, but a high water content is very important to healthy skin. Most acne is caused by over-productive oil glands, changes in hormones and the spread of bacteria by touching your face.

Warning

Your dermatologist my prescribe an oral acne remedy called Accutane. Accutane is arguably the strongest treatment available for acne and should only be taken as a last resort. Accutane has harsh mental health side effects that include thoughts of suicide and depression. There have been Accutane-related deaths, and the suicide rate of patients who take Accutane is high.

Resources

• Cystic Acne Treatments