Cystic Acne On Forehead

Updated Nov,2020
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Cystic acne is a serious form of blemish that often occurs around the mouth and chin. However, cysts can develop anywhere on your face, including the forehead. While an exact cause is unknown, it's believed that your diet, genetics, and hormones all play a role in acne on the forehead.

What is cystic acne?

Cystic acne is the most serious type of acne. It occurs when cysts form deep beneath your skin, resulting in inflammation. These formations are characterized by their red coloration, extreme tenderness, and the presence of pus. Though the exact cause is unknown, this type of acne is most common in those with excessively oily skin. Additionally, dead skin cells and bacteria are often associated with this condition.

Identifying the culprits behind cystic acne

Dermatologists still aren't quite sure why cystic acne forms. However, there are several factors that increase your likelihood of developing acne of any kind.

  • Hormonal fluctuations - The reason teenagers are more likely to get acne than adults is because they go through puberty. This is a period where the body releases massive levels of hormones in the body, resulting in acne, voice changes, and maturation of sexual organs.
  • Genetics - You have a greater chance of getting acne if other family members had it, too. But acne affects everyone differently. So it's possible your parents could have forehead acne, but you have it somewhere else.
  • Diet - More research is necessary to determine what exact foods result in acne. However, dairy and sugary products seem to play a prevalent role in the formation of pimples.

Cystic acne is incredibly common on the forehead

Cystic acne can form on your shoulders, back, chest, and upper arms. But more than anywhere else, it develops on the face, particularly around the mouth, chin, and forehead.

The reason for this comes down to the prevalence of sebaceous glands on your forehead. These glands create an oily material called sebum. Too much of this oil can clog your pores, trapping bacteria and dead skin cells underneath. This leads to inflamed glands, and that's how pimples form.

In the event an infection develops deep within the skin, that's when cystic acne forms. This creates a large, red bump filled with pus that can become extremely painful without treatment.

Here's how to tell if it's regular acne or cystic acne

When you call your dermatologist, you should have a good idea of what you need treated. Fortunately, it's simple to determine what kind of acne you have.

Regular Acne

  • Small pimples
  • Pus at the tip

Cystic Acne

  • Larger, red bumps
  • Itchiness and tenderness around bumps
  • Much deeper in the skin

Does cystic acne ever come to a head?

It's rare for cystic acne to come to a head. And while it's annoying, you never want to squeeze or pop a cyst. This only leads to more problems down the road.

You need to speak with a licensed physician to get the prescription treatment you need to treat cystic acne. While over-the-counter products work for regular acne, cystic acne is far more severe. You need stronger prescription medication to bring this blemish to a head.

Resist the urge to pop a cyst on your forehead!

Your forehead is a prominent part of your body. Having a cyst there isn't pleasant, but you need to resist the urge to squeeze it.

In the event you pop a cyst, it can result in the inflammation going to other parts of the body. You may even end up with additional cysts on your face if you're not careful. Plus, there's the risk of the popped cyst developing an infection.

Other things you should never do when you have acne

Popping a pimple may feel good in the moment. But it can increase your risk of developing acne scars. You need to treat your acne the right way so that your skin becomes clear once again.

  • Avoid touching your face - Your hands contain all kinds of bacteria and debris. When you touch your face, you only clog your pores further. Resist the urge at all costs and only touch your face when you wash it.
  • Avoid over-washing - You need to wash your face to help limit acne. However, washing too often also isn't good for your skin. It dries out your pores too much, which causes the sebaceous glands to work harder to produce more debris-trapping oil.
  • Sleep on a clean pillowcase - Every night, dirt and debris from your face transfers to your pillowcase. Sleeping on dirty fabric only means that debris continues interacting with your pores. You should wash your pillowcase once every few days to remove troublesome dirt.

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!

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