How to Treat Cystic Acne on the Buttocks

Cystic acne is the most painful form of acne that a person may experience. It is characterized by pus-filled nodules that are tender and very painful to the touch. Cysts are soft lumps that exist under the skin's surface, thereby making them much harder to cure than superficial blemishes. They occur as a deep break in the wall of the pore, which leaks the infection into the dermis. Some causes for cystic acne include hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, abundance of acne-causing bacteria, and overactive oil glands. Cystic acne can occur anywhere on the body.

Things You'll Need

• Appointment with a dermatologist
• Oil-free cleanser
• Glycolic acid cleanser
• Salicylic acid
• Oil-free moisturizer

Instructions

1. Try a glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid peel to treat cystic acne on your buttocks. This is a chemical peel that must be done at a dermatologist's office. It consists of a chemical solution that causes the damaged skin to blister and peel off. The regenerated skin is healthy and acne-free.

2. Cleanse your buttocks with warm water and a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Pat the area dry with a clean, terry-cloth towel.

3. Rub the glycolic acid cleanser onto your dry buttocks and allow it to set for at least 3 minutes.

4. Wash off the glycolic acid with warm water. Pat the area dry.

5. Dab salicylic acid onto the most prominent cystic acne spots on your buttocks. Allow it a few minutes to dry.

6. Rub oil-free moisturizer onto your buttocks over the salicylic acid spot treatment.

7. Make an appointment to see a dermatologist. For severe acne such as cystic acne, it is imperative that the sufferer be examined by a skin care professional. Your dermatologist will determine what type of treatment is best for you. If your cystic acne on your buttocks is extremely painful and takes a long time to heal, you may want to try Accutane, oral antibiotics or a cortisone injection. Accutane is a very powerful oral medication that must be prescribed by a doctor and should only be tried when all other methods have been exhausted or proven useless. Oral antibiotics and cortisone injections are also last-resort treatments that must be done under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear clean, cotton panties instead of ones made of synthetic fibers.

• Do not scrub your skin. Harsh abrasives only make cystic acne worse. Do not attempt to pop any of the pimples on your buttocks. This can worsen the infection and lead to scarring.