Acne is annoying and something people try to prevent no matter how severe or where a breakout occurs. However, within that category, cystic acne carries an increased level of concern. Often identified as the most severe type of acne, this condition occurs when cysts form underneath the skin due to blocked pores. It can lead to infection and inflammation.
Cystic acne is most often associated with the face because that is where it occurs the most and is the most visible. Cystic acne can affect the upper body and arms as well. Teenagers may see breakouts on their back or behind their ears. While it is estimated that 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 experience acne at some point, cystic acne affects a much smaller percentage.
The good news is that there are possible strategies to prevent it, such as vitamins for clear skin. Additionally, if you already have cystic acne, there are plenty of ways to treat it, including pills or topical creams. We’ll look at those options in a moment, but let’s start by clarifying what causes cystic acne.
What Causes Cystic Acne?
Cystic acne is often caused by hormonal changes that the body experiences during puberty. It is most common in teens, women, and older adults with an imbalance of hormones. Although people with oily skin are more susceptible to cystic acne, it is not necessarily caused by poor hygiene or by eating greasy and fatty foods. It is typically diagnosed when someone has large cysts or white bumps on their skin that are painful to touch.
How to Prevent Cystic Acne Breakouts
While hormonal changes and imbalances can cause cystic acne in spite of your skincare routine, it never hurts to do everything you can for healthier skin. You can search for vitamins for clear skin and also exfoliate your skin regularly. By consistently removing any makeup, dirt, or oil from your face each day, you will prevent any chance of these causing further problems for your pores.
You can also reduce your chances of acne by keeping your hands and hair away from your face throughout the day. Eliminate dairy products or other foods that are high in simple sugars. Another way to help prevent breakouts is benzoyl peroxide. It attacks the bacteria that typically causes acne. One thing to keep in mind is that certain preventative measures and products might dry out your skin. To counter this, you can use some lotion or cream to moisturize your skin.
How to Treat Cystic Acne Breakouts
Antibiotics and other prescription-strength treatments can expedite the time it takes for your skin to clear up. In order to obtain those, you will need a dermatologist to examine your skin and make a proper diagnosis. If they identify that you have cystic acne, they will recommend a treatment strategy and write any necessary prescriptions. Antibiotics are usually ingested as pills while prescription-strength gels and creams are applied to the skin. Creams are used to kill the bacteria and decrease inflammation. Another strategy to combat the inflammation and swelling is by applying ice for a short amount of time to the area.
It can take three months or more for acne cysts to go away, so being patient with the treatment plan is critical for its success. Whatever you do, don’t try to pop the zits or bumps associated with this breakout. Unlike other pimples or blackheads, these don’t contain puss that you can pop. Instead, you will increase your chances of scarring. Even worse, if you create an additional opening in your skin, you might heighten your risk for infection.
Conclusion
The vast majority of teenagers and young adults suffer from acne at some point, so don’t panic if you have an unexpected breakout. Continue your skincare routine, whether that includes vitamins for clear skin, moisturizing cream, or other over-the-counter products. However, if your case appears to be more severe and is causing you pain, you should consider seeing a dermatologist. They will provide the proper diagnosis of how severe your acne is and if you have cystic acne.
Even if it is cystic acne, realize that other people have had it before. It is treatable through a variety of antibiotics and prescription-strength creams. Do not go against your doctor’s wishes by trying to pop the pimples. Instead, take the advice they give for a treatment plan and understand that your skin will not be restored overnight.
