Hormonal Cystic Acne

Dermatologist are still trying to understand how cystic acne develops. One contributing factors appears to be a person's hormones. Fluctuations in your hormonal levels, which can occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can result in large, red cysts forming deep beneath your skin's surface.

Cystic acne—the most severe form of acne you can have

Regular acne is bad enough. But cystic acne results in even larger, redder, and more painful breakouts occurring on your skin. This acne develops when dead skin cells and bacteria clog your pores. For some people, this inflammation travels deep within the skin, causing a large bump filled with pus.

Cystic acne is the most severe form of breakout you can get. The breakout may be painful or itchy. And if left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

What does cystic acne look like?

It's easy to tell when you have cystic acne and not just a regular breakout. Some of its defining characteristics include:

• Large bumps

• Redness around the breakout

• Itchiness or tenderness around the site

With regular acne, you get much smaller bumps. Pimples are common, and they tend to go away on their own. However, cystic acne rarely goes down in severity. You need to speak with a dermatologist to get a prescription treatment.

One of the leading causes of cystic acne is hormones

While more research is necessary to determine the root cause of cystic acne, hormones seem to play a significant role. Hormones known as androgens seem to affect acne. When you go through puberty, your androgen levels increase sharply. This results in skin changes that can clog your pores.

Estrogen and progesterone are also important to look at. For women, these hormones vary widely over the course of the menstrual cycle. Their levels affect a women's testosterone levels, which can result in hormonal acne. It's for this reason that teenagers, pregnant women, and women going through menopause have a greater risk of getting cystic acne.

Other causes of cystic acne

Hormones are just one factor. Dermatologists believe the following could also increase a person's risk of developing cystic acne.

• Genetics - You should ask your parents if they ever had cystic acne. If they answer, "yes," then there's a good chance you have a greater likelihood of getting it.

• Diet - Foods high in sugar and dairy products seem to play a role in regular acne. It's possible a diet high in those substances could also contribute to cystic acne.

• Certain skin products - You want to use facial creams that are good for your skin type. There are some products out there that actually clog your pores and could lead to a breakout.

Helpful tips to prevent your cystic acne from worsening

It can take a little bit of time for your prescription treatment to take effect. In the meantime, you can follow these steps to stop your cystic acne from getting worse.

• Relax - If you've been stressed lately, then try to do activities you love. Excessive stress can cause your body to raise hormones excessively, which increases your chances of having a breakout.

• Wash your face - It's recommended to wash your face two times a day. You also want to wash away any sweat if you've just worked out. Use lukewarm water to remove any excess oils from your skin.

• Avoid popping any cysts - Cystic acne can be itchy and painful. You may want to poke at it for short-term relief. But this could lead to scarring in the long run.

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!