A cyst is a severe form of acne that is filled with bacteria, white blood cells and dead skin. Cysts can be very painful and extend inside the skin damaging the skin tissue. Cystic acne break-outs can be painful and lead to deep scarring. It is the most severe kind because topical medications do not get to the root of the problem. It heals extremely slowly because it is so deep that the infection is trapped under the skin. Cystic acne treatment is usually limited to oral medication so all cases should be taken to a dermatologist.. Treatment of cysts is a challenging task. It heals extremely slowly because it is so deep that the infection is trapped under the skin.
Painful Cysts
The large pus filled sacs that mark cystic acne must not be squeezed, as it is often tempting to do so. The infection could spread deeper if the cysts are squeezed, and scarring could result. Even if the cysts are quite large, it’s best to leave them alone until a qualified professional can look at them. It may be a troubling time for your teen if the acne is present, but you have to insist that they don’t touch the cysts until the doctor can examine them
Types of Treatments.
1- Isotretinoin is the most common, and potent drug prescribed for cystic acne treatment. It is a man-made form of retinoid (Vitamin A) that is taken in pill form. It is the only prescription that treats excess oil production, clogged skin pores, and inflammation. This pill is taken up to 20 weeks and commonly does not require more than one course of therapy to cure. Common side effects of using isotretinoin as a cystic acne treatment include: muscle aches, uncomfortable drying of the lips and eyes, depression, and chest pain.
Isotretinoin helps to treat the acne formation-
a. Excess oil,
b. Clogged pores,
c. Inflammation, and
d. The bacteria p.acnes.
2-Oral Antibiotics. Oral contraceptives are used as cystic acne treatment in females. It suppresses overactive sebaceous (oil producing) glands, and is safe to be used long-term. In addition to an oral contraceptive, the doctor may prescribe a synthetic steroid to inhibit other hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics can reduce the bacteria P.acnes substantially. With reduction in the population of this bacterium, inflammation reduces. The antibiotic may include drugs such as - tetracycline, erythromycin, doxycycline, etc.
3-For dramatically inflamed cysts, a dermatologist may decide to administer an injection with a highly-diluted corticosteroid to bring down the inflammation and increase the speed of healing. It is a generally painless procedure. It usually clears the cyst within a week and prevents rupturing and scarring.
4-Injecting Corticosteroid. In this treatment, a mild steroid is injected in the cyst. The steroid reduces the acne substantially within a few days. This treatment also prevents scarring as it reduces the possibility of bursting of a cyst and dries it totally. Your doctor may find it necessary to cut open the acne and drain it. This procedure needs skill and patients should not try this themselves.
Side effects.
If oral cystic acne treatment does not work, they may require drainage. This is considered acne surgery and should only be performed by a professional, in a sterile environment. If you attempt to squeeze or pick them yourself, the infection may last much longer than it would have. You may cause the infection to worsen and increase the inflammation and swelling and moreover Isotretinoin side effects can cause serious health problems in the future. Always contact your doctor if you notice any of these side effects. The most serious side-effect to taking this medication is the possibility of birth defects to a developing fetus. For this reason, women are required to not be pregnant or get pregnant at any time during this treatment. Regular check-ups are scheduled for each patient using this medication to monitor any additional side effects.
Cystic Acne is also known as nodulocystic acne and it is the most severe form of acne. Even though cystic acne is the most severe and troubling of all acnes, it is treatable and as with all things it will disappear over time. The key is early treatment to prevent future outbreaks and scarring.
Prescription Medicines And Their Risks
Your dermatologist will examine your teens cystic acne and then will determine what measures need to be taken. Depending on the severity of the acne, your doctor will generally prefer to use prescription strength medicines in order to treat the problem. These prescription strength medicines can get rid of the problem but they need to be handled with care, as many of them affect the kidneys and can lead to health problems later on. Your doctor will usually conduct blood tests on your teen to make sure they are of optimal health to receive such medicines.