Cystic acne isn't just any kind of acne—it's the worst kind. It's so painful, and seems to last forever. Certain forms of cystic acne won't go away on its own, and it can leave permanent scars behind. That's why so many people have questions about what causes cystic acne and how to get rid of it for good.
First things first: how do you know if you have cystic acne? Some signs are more obvious than others. A sore red bump on your face that is easily irritated, warm, and seems to have its own heart beat; is usually an indication that something more serious is going on under the surface, like cystic acne.
Another less visible sign of cystic acne is when you just have the hard lump under the skin. These are called nodules and are not typically visible when you look in the mirror. Regardless of how it shows up, cystic acne can drive a person crazy. Most times it hurts so much people do anything they can to make it go away or attempt to pop it. Been there. Unfortunately, there are very few ways to really deal with cystic acne, and we have all of the tips below.
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Acne Cyst Or Acne Nodule
Like mentioned above, cystic acne can come about in different ways. The big difference between the nodule and the cyst is that the cyst is fluid filled. [Seriously, talking about it, my face hurts]
Causes Of Cystic Acne:
- You have a clogged pore (zit ready) and bacteria gets inside of it.
- Stress
- Menopause
- Heredity
- Teenagers seem to be more prone to cystic acne
The Progression Of Cystic Acne
If you've never had cystic acne, it can be hard to imagine what it looks like. But if you have, you know that aside from the intense pain, the bumps can look more like boils than normal pimples.
They're often smaller than a dime, but can grow large enough to resemble a pea. Because they're typically filled with pus and other gunk, they tend to ooze and sometimes even discharge from a whitish-yellow head over time, which creates a crusty top layer as it dries.
Even after draining and getting gross, there will still be a lump, unfortunately. This is because cystic acne lies very deep within the skin. The actual root of the problem isn't what is draining, it's beneath that.
How To Treat Cystic Acne
Honestly, and easier said than done, leave it alone. When you try to pop an acne cyst, what you're doing is reversing the progress that your body has made trying to empty the pore on its own. Even if the cyst seems to have come to a head, (this might not seem so obvious with a cyst) but if you get some of the pus and gunk out. However, that's only part of the buildup. By squeezing it, it pushes at least some, if not the majority of the buildup back down into your skin, which worsens the infection, and the pain. [Did I mention how bad these hurt?]
Sadly, only a doctor can 'treat' cystic acne; when it comes to getting rid of it, that is. Many products claim they will treat it, and those are marketing tactics. The best these products will do is dry out your skin. This is not saying you need to see a doctor, but if you have persistent and aggressive cystic acne, it is recommended.
Products To Help
Even if you receive treatment from a doctor, it is only temporary, cystic acne is more than likely going to return at some point. The key to keeping it at bay (along with other blemishes) is a consistent regimen for skin that helps exfoliate dead skin cells, control excess oils, and balance skin.
To help with pain and inflammation:
- Hydrocortisone: Because inflammation is a key aspect of cystic acne, hydrocortisone cream can help calm the redness and irritation. It won't throb as much, basically. Remember, this too is a temporary, cosmetic fix, rather than a long-term solution.
Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Plus Ultra Moisturizing is an excellent choice for this because it not only has hydrocortisone in it, it also has moisturizer in it to keep the superficial skin over the cyst from drying out and becoming more painful.
To keep from picking at it:
- They make zit patches. Now, none of these patches will even begin to touch the cystic acne; they cannot penetrate that deep into the skin. They may claim to help or pull it out, but they don't. What they can do is keep you from picking at it, and because of the ingredients on them, help with any clogging and/or bacteria on the surface of the skin.
Acne Patch is a great option for this. It isn't that it is necessarily better than the rest, but you get four different sizes and a total of 140 patches for only about $8.00.
The Clean Routine For Cystic Acne
- Clean your face every morning and every night:
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is a terrific product when dealing with any form of stubborn acne, but especially cystic acne. Developed for oily, acne-prone and/or excessively dry skin, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil can be used on a daily basis to gently melt away dirt, excess oil, and impurities. It efficiently breaks down sebum from the skin and dissolves stubborn makeup without stripping it of its natural moisture balance. High quality organic olive oil combined with vitamin E also helps strengthen your skin's barrier function. As if that wasn't enough, this unique oil cleanser also replenishes the skin with softening and conditioning ingredients so your skin will feel nurtured and supple after each application.
- Exfoliate at least two-three times a week:
DHC Face Wash Powder is gentle enough for daily use, but you do not need to exfoliate daily. Exfoliating is done after cleansing because it is designed to dive deep into the pores and clean out dead skin cells and impurities beneath the surface. Just add water to this powder formula to create a luxurious foaming lather. Finely milled silica and protease enzyme gently exfoliate for a smoother complexion.
- Moisturize:
DHC Mineral Moisturizing Cream is a mineral-rich moisturizer formulated with deep sea water, marine plant extracts and antioxidants to hydrate and nourish skin for a clearer, more balanced, brighter look; making it a wonderful choice for acne-prone skin.
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