Cystic Acne On Neck

The skin on your neck contains pores that can become clogged over time. This leads to acne. One of the most common areas for cystic acne, in particular, to appear on the body is the neck. Make sure you talk with your dermatologist about getting the proper treatment to make these cysts go away.

Understanding cystic acne

Regular pimples develop when your skin's pores become clogged. This can happen due to excessive bacteria or dead skin cells. The pore becomes infected, and a red, swollen bump appears.

However, cystic acne occurs when the infection goes much deeper into the skin. The result is a large, red bump filled with pus that forms underneath the skin. Unlike regular acne, cystic acne tends to be itchy and painful. And in the event a cyst were to burst, it could cause the infection to spread.

Cystic acne tends to be more common in people with oily skin. It's also more common in teenagers and adults with hormonal imbalances.

Cystic acne on your neck is possible—here's why

Your neck contains pores and oil glands. When these become clogged with bacteria, dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris, it can result in an infection.

In addition to the neck, other common areas where cystic acne can form include around the mouth and on the chin. One reason for this is that people typically touch these areas with their hands. That leads to bacteria and dirt finding their way into the pores and resulting in a breakout.

What causes cystic acne?

Dermatologists are still trying to figure out what precisely causes cystic acne. However, there are certain contributing factors that likely affect acne.

• Hormonal fluctuations - Any major changes to your body's hormones can lead to an acne breakout. As such, teenagers, pregnant women, and people on certain medications may experience more severe acne than normal.

• Certain skincare products - You don't want to use lotion or cleanser that's too greasy. It could clog up your pores even further.

• Genetics - There seems to be a link between parents who had acne passing it onto their kids. The same likely holds true for cystic acne.

How can I tell if it's cystic acne or regular acne?

It's easy to tell whether you have normal or cystic acne. Understanding which one you have ultimately helps your dermatologist know which treatment to pursue first.

Regular Acne

• Small pimples

• Blackheads and whiteheads

• Small whiteness (pus) at the tip

Cystic Acne

• Large, pus-filled cyst

• Redness

• Tenderness to the touch

Should I pop my cystic acne?

You never want to pop cystic acne. It's not even advisable to pop regular pimples because you could cause pus and bacteria to go deeper within the skin.

By popping a cyst, you run the risk of having the infection spread. It could go to other parts of the body. Some people may even develop cysts elsewhere after doing so. You should leave cystic acne treatment to the professionals and just leave it alone, no matter how itchy it might be.

Other things you shouldn't do when you have cystic acne

Other habits can worsen your symptoms. Avoid these actions until you get treatment from a professional.

• Touching your face - Your hands contain all kinds of dirt and bacteria. Touching your face only clogs your pores further.

• Over-washing - It's a good idea to wash your face a couple of times a day to remove excess oil. But washing excessively dries out the skin too much. To compensate, it creates even more oil, which leads to acne.

• Sleeping on a dirty pillowcase - You probably don't realize how much debris get on your pillow over the course of a single night. By sleeping on a dirty pillow, you ensure all that debris ends up right on your face.

Tips to prevent cystic acne on your neck from worsening

Your neck is a prominent part of your body. As you go through treatment from your dermatologist, try these steps as well to see if they can help limit your symptoms even more.

• Maintain a healthy diet - Sugar can worsen acne symptoms. Try to limit how much sugar you intake, and try to incorporate more leafy greens.

• De-stress - Anxiety can throw your hormones out of whack. Such fluctuations open the doors for acne to develop.

• Avoid the sun and tanning beds - Exposure to the sun can damage your skin even more. This can make the redness of cystic acne even worse. Always wear sunscreen when going outside, and avoid tanning beds, in general.

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!