Cyst Acne Treatments
Acne, a skin condition, is characterized by the formation of reddish bumps or pimples, which are caused by fats and proteins clogging follicles. Typically, acne affects people during puberty and fades in severity during adolescence and into adulthood. Cystic acne is a severe form of the condition. Pimples become very large, tender and inflamed, and they may be filled with large amounts of pus. Cysts sometimes cover large portions of the face and persist into adulthood, so treatment is often necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
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Oral Antibiotics
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A doctor can prescribe oral antibiotics, which often are effective in limiting or eliminating the formation of cystic acne. Oral antibiotics work by fighting against the type of bacteria in the skin that contributes to acne formation and inflammation. Usually a regimen of oral antibiotics begins with a high dosage to reduce the severity of acne quickly. Afterward, dosages are reduced to the minimum level that will maintain a clear face.
Surgery
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Often, people squeeze a small pimple to release the pus and reduce the blemish. This can work with normal acne, but squeezing cystic acne can worsen the problem, creating inflammation, scarring, and pain. Dermatologists can drain and surgically remove cysts that do not respond to routine medications.
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Corticosteroid Injections
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Since severe acne cysts often leave behind unsightly scars, they are sometimes treated with corticosteroid injections. These injections reduce the amount of inflammation in the cysts, which helps tissues heal, shrinking the size of the blemish. Because the cyst shrinks, any scars that it leaves behind will be smaller or eliminated.
Isotretinoin
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Isotretinoin is a powerful medical treatment that is taken orally, often under the brand name Accutane. Isotretinoin shrinks and reduces the output of the oil glands in the skin, which are responsible for clogging follicles and creating acne. By limiting oil production, the skin usually clears up considerably. This type of treatment is often effective at treating acne that other methods fail to help; many consider it the most effective acne treatment available.
Contraceptives
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For women dealing with cystic acne, oral contraceptives can induce hormonal changes that have a positive affect on acne. Since the hormonal changes experienced during puberty are a primary cause of acne, contraceptives that alter the levels of those hormones or suppress them, such as Ortho Tri-Cyclen, also can reduce the severity of acne. Contraceptives usually do not eliminate acne, and they might have negligible impact on severe acne.
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