Acne vulgaris is a common human skin disease in the United States, affecting more than 17 million Americans. It may appear as congested pores or comedones, known as blackheads or whiteheads, tender red bumps called as pimples, pus-contained composition or pustules, and severely deep pimples known as cysts.
Cystic Acne: Getting to Know It Deeper
Cystic acne is a serious kind of acne blemish. It is composed of soft, fluid-filled lumps under the skin’s deep surface and can be very painful. Most of skin care experts believe acne cysts are not real cysts at all, but rather breakouts of nodules or small mass of tissue causing severe inflammation on skin and so it’s also termed as nodulo-cystic acne.
Causes and Susceptability Factors of Cystic Acne
Acne is a problem of swelling and inflammation. It is not mainly caused by dirt or intake of greasy foods like nuts ad chocolates. It is primarily a result of hyperactive sebaceous glands wherein more sebum or oil tends to produced which can lead to clogged, blocked and severely irritated pores thus greater chance of developing cystic acne.
Acne can be triggered by the following:
Hormonal activity during puberty and menstruation may contribute to the development of acne due to increased production of sex hormones known as androgens which are the precursor of female hormone estrogen and testosterone for males.
Genetics play a part in the formation of acne. Parents who once had that kind of disorder have greater possibility of transferring it to their offspring.
Bacterial infection specifically the Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) may also lead to acquiring deeper skin problems for it penetrates into the oily skin. Together with the dead skin cells, it goes into the skin after the breakage of clogged inflamed membranes resulting to acne formation.
Recurrence of skin trauma such as providing friction into the skin including rubbing, scrubbing, or occlusive clothing can uphold inflammatory reactions making serious lesions.
Diets high in fat,animal protein,and milkincrease blood concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), which then stimulates the output of androgens known to increase oil production.
Cosmetics for the skin as well as hair products that contain oils that aggravate acne lesions. Mineral-based makeups are safer to use.
Stressis assumed to be associated with acne exacerbation. According to scientific research, increased acne severity is related with increased stress levels. Stress can disrupt hormonal balance and result to breakouts.
The Unlucky Few: Predisposition to Nodulo-Cystic Type
Everyone has had a pimple or two in their lifespan, but there are an unlucky few who are more prone to having flare-ups.
* Anyone can experience to have acne but since adolescence stimulate active sebaceous glands; they tend to be more prone to nodulo-cystic type of acne especially teen boys and young men.
* People with hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome also make them susceptible to developing cystic acne.
* Children of parents with nodulo-cystic acne are also predispose them into having this type of severe acne since heredity is a major factor in acne.
Manifestations of Cystic Acne: How They Look
Cystic acne can almost form in any part of the body. Usually it can found on neck, face, chest, back, shoulders and or upper arms. Below are its signs and symptoms:
- formation of blackheads, whiteheads and papules or pimples
- flushed or reddish color of the skin
- flaking and peeling of the affected part
- pustules or collection of pus in the top layer of the skin
- redness around the skin outbreak
- painful feeling and sensation
- possible scarring and darkening of the skin
Serious Effects of Cystic Acne: Leaving Its Mark
Breaking of nodulocystic spots harm and eliminate healthy skin tissue. Therefore, there is a greater chance of developing very unsightly acne scars. Popping cysts or nodules should be avoided at all times to avoid extreme damage to the skin.
Treating this form of acne early can significantly lessen the potential severity of disfigurement. In addition, those with severe acne tend to develop feelings of shame and anger due to their skin condition. These would hinder them to collaborate with other people hence; they lose their self-esteem which could lead them to suffer depression as well.
More than the physical scars of cystic acne, the emotional trauma can sometimes be the harder to treat aspect of living with acne.
Treatments: What Can Be Done
Do not lose hope. Early treatment of acne will not only lessen its aftermath, but with the right approach, control any future breakouts. There are various ways on how to treat cystic acne. These include:
A: Self-Care Treatment
Those individuals suffering from cystic acne may not actually stop this from occurring, however, they can employ these tips so as to prevent the condition from going from bad to worse.
First and foremost, they have to take care of their skin properly. Wash the face or the affected part with non-comedogenic soap so it will not further irritate the area. However, frequent washing is not advisable because it will only dry up the skin. Wash only in the morning, at night before going to sleep, and as needed such as after playing a sport.Make-up should be removed at night or before sleeping so that it will not clog the pores. Mineral-based make-ups are usually advised for acne prone skin.
Second, wash hair properly especially if it is too oily or greasy. Hair can be the culprit of acne Hair can harbor microorganisms and it easily touches the face. Always comb the hair or keep it short back so it will not touch the face. A hairstyle that will keep hair out of the face is also a good way to prevent it from triggering or aggravating flare-ups.
Third, never attempt to prick, squeeze or rub the pimples because it will not only result into severe scarring but can also lead to scute infection.
Lastly, pay attention to nutrition and overall health. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and sleep more than 8 hours to promote proper healing and resistance to infection.
B: Home Remedies
These are some home remedies that can treat cystic acne by reducing pain and inflammation and preventing future breakouts.
1. Aspirin and Honey. Aspirin and honey work as a good combination in the treatment of acne. Aspirin exfoliates the skin and honey acts as a moisturizer. Together, they produce an effective antibacterial treatment. You can make this by crushing an aspirin and mix it with water. Apply it on your face and rinse it off. Then, apply honey directly on your face. Leave it for a few minutes and then rinse it well.
2. Baking soda and Sea salt. In the treatment of inflamed cystic acne, baking soda together with sea salt will be of great help. These two work by removing excess oil from the skin and reducing inflammation. Mix baking soda and sea salt with water and apply unto your skin. Rinse it well after a few minutes. You can apply it once or twice a week for better results.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar. It acts as a toner wherein it stabilizes the pH balance of the skin to help fight acne promptly.
4. Mango and Lemon. Mango, when applied to the face, helps on maintaining the moisture of the skin. Also, it can improve your complexion when left on for a while. On the other hand, lemon treats inflammation caused by cystic acne.
5. Rose water solution can be used as a natural astringent, and became known in treating skin inflammatory diseases such as acne. Simply apply rose water to the skin during regular cleansing hence you’ll notice a significant reduction of acne ruptures
C: Medications
If home remedies and self-care treatment fail, you can use medications in treating cystic acne. Most of these medications can be bought over the counter so they easily accessible.
1. Topical treatment benzoyl peroxide cream is a first-line of treatment for types of acne vulgaris due to its effectiveness and least side effects in working against P. acne bacterium.
2. Antibiotics, anti-androgen, antiseborrheic medications, hormonal treatments, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, azelaic acid, nicotinamide, and keratolytic soaps are for hormonal enhancement, anti-inflammatory effect and preventing pore blockage.
3. Oral contraceptives may also be used to regulate hormones and menstruation in women.
4. Multivitamins supply the nutrients needed to control oil. Zinc and vitamin B5 acne capsules work by inhibiting the production of sebum and increasing the body’s skin oil metabolism.
5. When all else fails, you can consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists can prescribe medications such as oral antibiotics (tetracycline, amoxicillin, etc.), topical antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin, etc.) and creams or gels in the treatment of severe acne.
D: Procedures
Your visit to a dermatologist may also result to the introduction of several procedures that can help against the symptoms of cystic acne.
1. Photo or light therapy is known to treat acne as a result of the antibacterial effect of the ultraviolet spectrum. Light is applied at a certain wavelength and for a prescribed duration.
2. Laser therapy is more effective in preventing comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) and has very little effect on non-inflammatory and severe acne.
3. Steroid injections are typically administered for nodules and cysts. After an injection, cystic acne evens out and may resolve in just two to four days.
Nodules and cysts are more likely to leave noticeable and unsightly scars than pimples and pustules, which may only leave mild blemishes on the skin. There are a few treatments you can consider in dealing with the aftermath of cystic acne.
1. Chemical peels involve using chemicals to eliminate dead skin cells by causing them to peel off. A new layer of healthy skin resurfaces resulting to a smoother, more radiant skin without the acne scar.
2. Dermabrasion is also used to get rid of cystic acne scar by carefully controlling the abrasion of the upper layers of the skin to get rid of damages cells and uncover a smoother layer underneath.
3. Punch techniques, on the other hand, call for surgically removing the scar and suturing the incision area. For deep scars, after removing the scar, skin from somewhere else on the body, usually taken from behind the ear, is grafted into the incision area.
Expectations
In the treatment of cystic acne, patience is indeed a virtue. It’s quite normal to undergo numerous trial and error experiments before finding that one treatment that works for you. Finding the right treatment means you have to spend time following the regimen before seeing the results. However, with strict adherence to advised treatments, you will experience relief and can finally get rid of cystic acne.