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What is Cystic Acne?
Before we get started, if you aren't sure if you have cystic acne, read about the types of acne to determine what type you have, you can always come back to this page if you need to. I also have information about Acne Vulgaris, folliculitis acne, adult acne , and acne rosacea.
Cystic acne is the harshest and most severe form of acne. Understanding what cystic acne is can help you to better treat this condition on your own body. Many people are traumatized with their appearance with these powerful infections. With cystic acne, cysts are formed, and swollen pus filled pustules are visible on the external surface of the skin. They feel like soft, fluid-filled lumps under the skin, and can also be very painful.
Cystic acne can affect the face, chest, back, shoulders and, occasionally, the upper arms. These cysts are usually filled with a white pus-like substance and are several millimeters in diameter. Some people who suffer from acne cysts may be tempted to squeeze them, but this is strongly not recommended as squeezing an acne cyst may make an infection worse, more painful, and last longer.
If you find that you just have to squeeze, please pop safely and read the information on how to pop a pimple, this could help you prevent, or minimize scarring.
Causes of Cystic Acne
Some of the causes of cystic acne are in your control, and some others are not. Let's discuss what you cannot control, then we will move on and discuss what you can do to help prevent and treat cystic acne.
What you cannot control:
Genetics / Heredity - you are more likely to have acne if it runs in the family, especially your parents. Even if your parents have not had a problem with acne, if severe acne has affected other family members, such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles, you may be more likely to develop cystic acne.
Hormones - During adolescence, the body produces androgens which stimulate oil production. This oil can clog your pores and lead to acne. Unfortunately for women, the fluctuating hormones of menstruation and pregnancy can aggravate an outbreak.
However, even if you may not be able to control whether you develop cystic acne, you can control the symptoms if you understand other contributing causes.
What you can control:
The first step in controlling any acne issue is prevention, and it starts with you.
Stress - While stress is not a cause of cystic acne, any form of emotional or physical stress can aggravate it.
Medications - Many medications can create side effects. Be sure to check product information to determine if this is the case, if it is, try to find a different medication.
Squeezing or popping a pimple - Sometimes is just isn't possible to resist the temptation to pop a pimple. However, this can cause bacteria to enter the skin which causes acne to worsen. Additionally, squeezing or popping pimples can lead to scarring.
Greasy cosmetics and oily skin care products - These can clog your pores and oil ducts in the skin which can lead to acne. Make sure your face is clean and free of any residual makeup before you go to sleep.
The number one most important step you can take is to follow a daily skin care regimen.
That's why I created the Acne Free regimen
Acne Free - Is a step-by-step highly effective program to clear skin using products which include acne fighting ingredients, as well as natural healing ingredients that will help soothe your skin.
We have discussed many causes, but the main fact to be noted is that it is a condition that needs medical treatment. The actual causes of cystic acne are not yet very clear, but the above causes may be contributing factors. For deep cysts, you may need an antibiotic, or something stronger, like Accutane, which is a powerful medication available for scarring cystic acne that doesn't respond to other treatments. People who take Accutane need to be closely monitored by a dermatologist because of the possibility of severe side effects.
The side effects can be associated with severe birth defects, so it can't be taken by pregnant women or women who may become pregnant during the course of treatment, or within several weeks after concluding the treatment.
Cystic acne in women - Acne is not just a teenage problem!
The teenage years are famous for causing breakouts and acne, and most women are happy to know they've left those problems behind - or have they? Adult acne is becoming a common problem in women of all ages.
Many women break out every month at the onset of their menstrual cycle, and acne in women is a common symptom of PMS. In women over 35, the hormonal fluctuations that coordinate our periods tend to become unpredictable and more dramatic as we enter pre menopause - which can aggravate hormonal acne. Unfortunately, many women who haven't had a breakout since their teens or early twenties suddenly find they are battling acne in their 40's.
Cystic acne in women also can develop during pregnancy or after delivery of a baby. Having a new baby to care for can create an abundance of stress for some women, and is believed to be a contributing factor for developing acne.
Treating cystic acne / cystic acne treatment
Cystic acne can be an embarrassing and painful part of your everyday life, but it doesn't have to be. There are cystic acne treatment options available that range from fast and easy to professional medical care. Through educating yourself, you've already taken the first steps towards getting rid of acne in your life, and getting your self-confidence back.
Cystic acne treatments work by reducing oil production, speeding up skin cell turnover, fighting bacteria, and reducing inflammation. For moderate to severe acne, your doctor or dermatologist may recommend a prescription medication such as tetracycline or erythromycin. It may be necessary to use an antibiotic in combination with topical products for effective results.
Most cases of cystic acne can be cleared without lasting so long that it leaves scaring, but the first step in effectively treating cystic acne is prevention. With any treatment program, it is important to use products that do not contain irritants such as artificial colors, fragrances, or parabens. The preferred method is to use products with natural ingredients, but be sure they have the right concentrate of active ingredients.
Acne products work in different ways, depending on their active ingredient. Here are common active ingredients found in acne products and how they work in treating acne.
| Benzoyl peroxide | Effective in killing bacteria that aggravates inflammation | Can cause the body to overcompensate and produce excess oil. Causes excessive dryness, scaling, redness and minor swelling. It can make your skin sensitive to ultraviolet UV exposure |
| Salicylic acid | Slows the shedding of cells inside hair follicles, which prevents pores from clogging Breaks down whiteheads and blackheads |
Can cause mild stinging and skin irritation |
If you're ready to control your acne and clear your skin, follow my 3 step process using doctor approved products, which are safe, effective, and best of all, they have No Side Effects.
Acne Free - Is a step-by-step highly effective program to clear skin using products which include acne fighting ingredients, as well as natural healing ingredients that will help soothe your skin.
Reference: 1998-2009 - April 18, 2008: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Mayo Clinic.com Acne treatments
Disclaimer
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
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