Cystic Acne On Chest

Cystic acne is a serious condition, and the chest is a common place to experience breakouts. Typically, a combination of medication and hygienic practices help get your acne under control. This includes more regular showering, retinoids, and suspended use of comedogenic products.

Cystic acne—the most serious type of acne

Cystic acne is a skin condition that forms when cysts develop beneath your skin. These cysts are a result of a buildup of sebum, an oil produced by sebaceous glands. So, often, it's people with particularly oily skin who are the most prone to developing cystic acne.

What causes cystic acne?

There's no single factor that causes you to develop cystic acne.

• Buildup. Sebum, as mentioned above, is a big contributor to cystic acne. But dirt, sweat, dead skin, and other bacteria can facilitate breakouts in the absence of proper hygiene.

• Products. Some of the most common things you put on your skin isn't good for it. Certain body washes, deodorants, and sprays contain toxins that contribute to buildup and clog your pores.

• Family History. If your mom or dad battled cystic acne in their teenage years, chances are much higher that you'll experience it too.

Cystic acne can form on your chest—here's why

Sweat, inadequate hygiene, and even friction from your clothing can cause localized cystic acne episodes. The chest and other parts of your body such as your back, face, and shoulders are more susceptible to cystic acne because they contain a higher number of sebaceous glands. This leads to more opportunities for these glands to be clogged.

What does cystic acne look like?

Cystic acne can be easy to spot, and so you can usually catch it early! Some major differences between regular acne and its more serious counterpart are:

Regular Acne

• Smaller pimples, often with little to no discoloration or pus

• Regular acne includes whiteheads, blackheads, and papules

• Typically clears in 1-2 weeks

Cystic Acne

• Larger, painful growths, deep within the skin

• Red or reddish-white discoloration (the white indicates the presence of pus)

• Growths take longer to heal, sometimes lasting a few months

Never pop a cyst on your chest, it does more harm than good!

Please, don't ever do this! First, popping a cyst increases your chances of scarring. But it also exposes your growth to external bacteria which could cause infection. Moreover, this will not expedite the healing process, and in fact could lengthen it.

Tips to prevent cystic acne on your chest from worsening

There are a few things you can do to help manage your cystic acne breakouts.

• Shower after your workout! This removes sweat, sebum, and prevents buildup. Many dermatologists recommend washing areas prone to cystic acne twice a day with warm water.

• Be careful what products you use. Body wash, deodorants, colognes—anything you put at or near your chest should be okayed by your dermatologist.

• Wash your shirts. Think twice before putting on that shirt you wore yesterday! The sweat, dirt, and bacteria are still lingering and could exacerbate your cysts.

Here's the best ways to treat your cystic acne

While cystic acne is the most severe type of acne you can have, the good news is that you won't have to live with it forever. There's a wide range of treatment options that (when combined with stronger oral antibiotics) have shown to combat those pesky red bumps for good.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Typically a main ingredient in many acne facial cleansers and lotions, benzoyl peroxide goes into your pores to lift and remove excess oil, dirt and debris (acne-causing agents).

• Oral Contraceptives: For many women, cystic acne is linked to hormonal fluctuations. Using birth control pills has shown to help reduce acne.

• Retinoids: One of the most successful acne treatments, retinoids expertly diminish sebum (excess oil), dirt, bacteria, and any other acne-causing agents on your skin's surface to prevent future breakouts. This powerful drug has also been proven to stop acne scars from forming, leaving behind only smooth, radiant skin.

Treat your acne fast! Get a prescription retinoid, today!

We understand how annoying and bothersome acne breakouts can be. Whether it's picture day at school, or you've got a job interview, acne is not a welcome friend. Fortunately, it's a treatable condition. Our licensed physicians make it easy and more comfortable to have a discussion about your skin and the best treatment options available for you.

Talk to one of our reputable online physicians to get your prescription Retinoid, today!