How To Prevent Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne. Though serious, it's preventable through good hygiene practices, lifestyle changes, and medical intervention. If you already have cystic acne, you can treat it through a course of medical and home remedies, which betters your chances at getting relief fast. 

What is cystic acne?

Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that develops when cysts form underneath your skin, causing large, inflamed, pus-filled nodules. Most at risk are those who don't practice proper skin hygiene, and those with oily skin. 

Why does it occur?

Cystic acne occurs when your sebaceous glands produce skin oil, known as sebum, that isn't removed through washing. The sebum mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, clogging your pores and forming cysts. There are a few reasons this might occur:

• Hormones. Teenagers in puberty or those with high-stress levels produce hormones that cause breakouts. 

• Products like makeup, shaving cream, and sprays can contribute to sebum buildup, leading to breakouts. 

• Improper hygiene allows these buildups to occur. If oils, products, and bacteria aren't properly washed away, it leads to a blockage that can develop into cysts. 

Signs and symptoms of cystic acne

Luckily, it's easy to distinguish cystic from regular acne. Here are a few things to look out for: 

• Cystic acne generally has larger growths

• The pimples and surrounding areas are typically discolored

• The area around the breakouts is sensitive or even sore

• Sometimes, it can take as long as several weeks for cystic acne breakouts to clear up

• If there's pus, it's cystic acne

Tips to help prevent your cystic acne from worsening

Here are a few things you can do to help manage your cystic acne breakouts:

Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene!

Wash your at-risk areas twice a day with warm water, and avoid putting anything on the pimples themselves, if you can help it. This is particularly important if you experience breakouts on your face. 

Don't touch it

Your hands have many potentially harmful bacteria that could possibly lead to further breakouts or even infection. 

Try not to use products on or around the area

This includes makeup, body wash, shaving cream, or deodorant. You want to avoid agitating the area or disrupting the healing process.

Call your doctor

Remember, cystic acne is serious. If you're having trouble getting your condition under control, you might need medical intervention. 

3 home remedies to improve your acne

There are a few additional things you can change in your lifestyle that ups the chances your medical treatment is going to work better and faster. 

1. Diet

Studies suggest that a low-glycemic diet can help clear your skin. This means cutting down on soda, sweets, and other foods that are high in sugar. 

2. Keep Hydrated, Drink Water!

When your skin becomes too dry, it compensates by overproducing oil on your skin. This overproduction can clog pores and turn into those dreaded red bumps. Plus, water is a great tool to flush out any bacteria and toxins from your body, helping prevent future cysts from forming!

3. Aloe Vera

A lot of people don't know that aloe vera actually has anti-bacterial properties. This means that aloe can help eliminate bacteria that cause cystic acne. 

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!