Sunday, January 23, 2011

How to Get Rid of an Acne Cyst

By Kevin Nelson


It is very uncommon for cysts to form during a normal acne case. However, whenever these cysts or abnormal formations of the skin structure occur, it should be of great concern to your dermatologist and you. Cystic acne is a severe form of acne and can grow into another aggressive type of acne known as acne conglobata. That is why it is extremely important to stop mild acne in its tracks so that it does not progress into one of the more severe types of acne outbreaks many people are faced with.

Symptoms That Can Be Very Painful

The cysts in acne are not actual cysts in the medical sense of the word. Instead, these cysts are extremely large, tender and inflamed pimples that may or may not be filled with puss. Unfortunately, many cysts can occur on the face, neck, scalp, chest, back and shoulders instead of being just isolated cases.

Even with only one cyst on your body it can be very painful and may even cause you to be tempted to pop the pimple. However, this is definitely something you should avoid doing since the bacteria present on your hands can make your acne condition worse by popping it. If the cysts needs to be drained it will need to be done in a sterile environment like at your doctors office.

Also, popping the cyst on your own can lead to deeper acne scars than had the pimple been left alone. Dermatologists, on the other hand, have medical means to lessen the inflammation including cortisone injections.

There Are Many Effective Treatments

Luckily, there are numerous ways to treat cystic acne. Because this condition is a bacterial infection, dermatologists will either use surgical procedures or prescribe oral antibiotics. These treatments reduce or remove the cysts present on your body, normally in 3-5 days.

- Oral antibiotics inhibit and eventually eliminate the formation and growth of acne cysts. Their main action is against a specific type of bacteria in the skin, which contributes to the inflammation of the acne. Doctors usually start patients on high doses and then gradually taper off as the skin becomes clearer.

- Corticosteroid injections lessen the inflammation, help the skin tissues heal and shrink the cyst into manageable levels. The end result is often little to no acne scars left behind after the cyst has been removed.

- Birth control pills are also helpful in treating acne cysts although not everybody will benefit from these oral contraceptives. These pills work by inducing hormonal changes with a positive impact on the treatment for acne. Still, one must not place too much hope in oral contraceptives as these may have little effects on cystic acne in most people.

- Isotretinion (a.k.a. Accutane), will lower the amount of sebum on the surface of the skin. This will make it more difficult for acne to for on your body.

Surgery is often the last resort in cystic acne and yet it is also one of the most effective. The dermatologist drains and then surgically removes the cysts. Medications to aid in the healing will then be prescribed after the successful removal of the cysts on the face and body.




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