Have you ever experienced a huge, painful, hard, and swollen pimple that hurt to the touch? This acne is cystic acne, which is considered to be the most severe type of acne. What are the underlying causes of cystic acne, and what are the treatment options?

Causes of Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne that occurs on the skin. Acne is caused by oil and dead skin cells that block the skin's pores. Bacteria penetrate the pores of cystic acne, producing swelling and irritation. This type of acne is considered the most severe since it produces inflammation, pain, and obstructions in the inside skin. Aside from that, cystic acne is more likely to result in scar tissue on the skin, which may cause a person to feel less confident.

The primary causes of cystic acne can vary, including:

• Age: Teenagers is a period during which teens are more prone to the development of cystic acne
• Family history
• Hormonal changes during adolescence due to stress or puberty
• Inappropriate use of cosmetic products
• The skin's susceptibility to sweat makes an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

Signs of Cystic Acne

The development of red pimples that resemble boils is one of the common characteristics that differentiate cystic acne from other types of acne. This pimple typically has a soft texture that hurts to the touch. But occasionally, not all cases of cystic acne will cause severe pain.

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, cystic acne is also characterized by:

• Forms red bumps
• The size of a pea
• Pus appears from the head of the pimple, which is whitish yellow in color
• Hard
• Appears in areas with large surfaces such as the face or neck

Tips for Treating Cystic Acne

Consulting a dermatologist is the best course of action if you are experiencing cystic acne. Ineffective treatment for cystic acne can lead to severe infections and scars. Additionally, it usually takes several months for the acne scars to completely disappear away after treatment for cystic acne. Because of this, treating cystic acne requires patience and persistence. 

Some treatments for cystic acne include:

1. Topical Medication

The application of topical medication, such as specific acne ointment or cream, can treat cystic acne. Usually, this drug is made specific to the patient's age, acne location, and acne severity. The following are a few examples of topical medications:

• Retinoids, which help remove dead skin cells
• Benzoyl peroxide to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin
• Salicylic acid to kill bacteria and remove dead skin

2. Antibiotics

Inflammatory microorganisms are the cause of cystic acne. In order to fight bacteria, doctors commonly prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics can be administered orally, topically, or as an ointment. If antibiotics are ineffective against bacteria, your doctor might prescribe isotretinoin, a vitamin A tablet, to treat acne.

Nevertheless, there are several severe adverse effects of isotretinoin, particularly for pregnant women. Because of this, you should confirm that you are not pregnant before beginning treatment for cystic acne.

Cystic acne is the most severe type and requires a long time to recover. Avoid squeezing cystic acne when it first appears, as this will exacerbate the irritation. You may prevent acne by washing your face frequently—one or two times a day—limiting the foods that cause it and keeping it clean at all times. You should consult a dermatologist to receive the proper treatment for persistent cystic acne.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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