Cystic acne is painful and annoying, but it can be treated. Most cystic acne won't go away overnight, but you can take steps to reduce them in a matter of weeks. Dermatologists can offer creams, pills, and procedures that give dramatic results. Daily skin care and healthy habits also help. Cystic acne usually leaves scars, but these scars can be removed with the right treatment. Keep in mind that the time it takes to see results varies from person to person as some take just a short time and some take longer.
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Method 1 of 4: Treating Acne Medically
Step 1. Make an appointment with a dermatologist
The fastest and most effective way to fight cystic acne is through medical treatment from a dermatologist. Dermatologists can prescribe medications or perform noninvasive procedures.
- If you've never seen a dermatologist, ask your doctor for a referral. Or, try looking for information on the internet.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell a dermatologist.
Step 2. Ask a dermatologist to break up and dry the pimple
The dermatologist will use a sharp needle to break up and remove the contents of the pimple. This procedure is the fastest way to get rid of cystic acne. If done correctly, pain, swelling, and the possibility of scar formation can be reduced.
- Never do it yourself at home or without professional supervision. Improper use of needles can result in scarring or infection.
- In some cases, the dermatologist will also inject the pimple with medication.
Step 3. Ask for an antibiotic prescription
Antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that cause acne. A dermatologist can prescribe a pill to take daily or a cream to apply to pimples. The drug requires a prescription.
- Side effects of antibiotics include increased sensitivity to the sun, liver damage, and pregnancy complications.
- Follow the dermatologist's instructions regarding the use and dosage of antibiotics.
Step 4. Get a topical retinoid to apply to the skin
Topical retinoids are able to clear clogged pores so the medication can enter and fight acne-causing bacteria. Apply a retinoid once a day.
- Most retinoids require a prescription. Low doses can be obtained without a prescription, but the results are not dramatic.
- Retinoids are usually used for moderate to severe acne, when other treatment methods are not working.
- There are several types of topical retinoids, including Adapalene, Tazarotene, and Tretinoin.
- Initially, the use of topical retinoids may make acne worse before improving. It will take you a few weeks to see results.
- Talk to your doctor about possible side effects. Side effects of retinoids include increased sensitivity to the sun as well as dry, red, and flaky skin.
Step 5. Take a systemic (oral) retinoid for severe cystic acne
If other treatments don't work, retinoid pills such as isotretinoin (also known as Accutane) may be the best option. Use oral retinoids as directed by a dermatologist.
- Isotretinoin can cause very serious side effects, including depression, fetal defects, miscarriage, deafness, and intestinal disease.
- Only the most severe cases of cystic acne can be prescribed this very powerful drug.
Step 6. Undergo hormonal treatment for women
Acne is influenced by the body's hormones. Birth control pills and antiandrogen drugs can stop acne from forming. Ask your doctor about medications that can limit the severity of cystic acne.
- Know the side effects. Side effects of hormonal treatments include irregular menstrual cycles, fatigue, dizziness, and breast tenderness.
- Women who have a high risk or history of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, blood clots, or breast cancer should not undergo hormonal treatment.
Step 7. Get rid of acne with laser therapy
Although originally used to remove scars, lasers can now be used to treat acne. Laser therapy burns the follicular sac by burning the sebum (which produces oil) glands or by oxygenating the bacteria and killing them.
Moderate to severe cases may require several sessions within 4 weeks, but you should see results after the first treatment
Method 2 of 4: Applying Daily Skin Care
Step 1. Wash your face twice a day with a benzoyl peroxide cleanser
Benzoyl peroxide helps fight acne by reducing oil and bacteria. Wash your face in the morning and evening with water and cleanser. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
- If you wear makeup, be sure to remove it before washing your face. Use a cosmetic cleanser or special cleaning fluid.
- You can buy cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide at supermarkets, cosmetic stores, and pharmacies.
Step 2. Apply a toner containing salicylic acid
The toner will remove any remaining dirt particles while fighting acne. Wet a cotton pad with toner and wipe it on the face.
- Salicylic acid can draw dirt from the pores and prevent clogging of hair follicles.
- If you are pregnant, try products that contain azelaic acid. Azelic acid is safer for pregnant women although salicylic acid is not a risk.
Step 3. Apply benzoyl peroxide on the pimple
Once your face is clean, apply a benzoyl peroxide cream or gel on the pimple. It helps reduce acne faster. You can get acne medications from a dermatologist or buy them at pharmacies and beauty stores.
Step 4. Moisturize your face after cleansing with a non-comedogenic moisturizer
The skin needs moisture after its oil and water content has been washed away by the cleansing soap. Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won't clog pores. Non-comedogenic information is usually stated on the packaging.
Non-comedogenic moisturizers are usually hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe
Step 5. Don't touch or fiddle with the pimple
Even if it's difficult, try not to touch your face or touch the pimple. Pimples become inflamed when touched, making them red and irritated, increasing the chances of scarring.
- Try sitting on your hands if you're tempted to touch your face. Distract yourself by chewing gum, going for a walk, or squeezing a stress ball.
- Cystic acne is much more difficult to break down than regular acne, and is likely to make acne worse. Trying to break up cystic acne is also more painful and may leave scars.
Method 3 of 4: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Adopt a low glycemic diet
What you eat contributes to acne. A low-glycemic diet can reduce the severity of acne. Eat whole grains, beans, and vegetables. Cut back on refined carbohydrates, white bread, pasta, dairy products, and refined sugar.
- Instead of drinking soda or juice, drink water or herbal tea when thirsty.
- Be wary of dairy products, which can make acne worse in some people.
Step 2. Quit smoking
Smoking can worsen or cause acne in adults. Talk to your doctor about how to quit smoking. Your doctor can prescribe a nicotine pill or patch to make the process easier.
Step 3. Cut down on alcohol
If you are used to drinking alcohol, cut back. In general, men should not exceed 2 servings a day. Women should limit themselves to drinking only 1 serving.
Step 4. Reduce stress
Stress can make acne worse, especially in men. Although stress is difficult to control, you can try some relaxation techniques to control stress.
- Exercise can reduce stress. At the very least, try walking or stretching.
- Meditation can bring a sense of peace. If you're busy, take time to meditate for 5 minutes at work, school, or during your lunch break.
- If you start to feel overwhelmed, stop and take a breath for 10 seconds.
- Make sure you get 7–9 hours of sleep at night. Lack of sleep can make you more stressed, which in turn increases acne.
Method 4 of 4: Reduce Acne Scars
Step 1. Look for holes in the skin
Hollow scars usually arise from cystic acne because deep tissue infection destroys collagen. The best treatment depends on the type of scar itself. The types of acne scars are as follows:
- Hypertrophic scars in the form of lumps. To treat it, you can use cream.
- Atrophic scars are sinking, but shallow. Treatment can be by peeling, dermabrasion, or laser.
- The boxcar former is shallow and wide with jagged edges. Treatment is by laser, dermabrasion, or excision (surgery).
- Small and deep ice pick container. Effective treatments are laser, dermabrasion, and excision.
Step 2. Use a cortisone cream to reduce inflammation in hypertrophic scars
Once a day, apply the cream on the red and swollen scar. Creams can reduce the appearance of acne scars. This cream is best for scars that are red, swollen, and lumpy.
Step 3. Apply a fading cream to reduce the appearance of acne scars
There are many creams that help disguise acne scars. These creams usually contain ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, or liquorice extract.
- Fading creams can be purchased at pharmacies, cosmetic stores, and supermarkets.
- Apply once or twice a day. This cream is most effective for red marks and bumps.
Step 4. Go for a chemical peel at a dermatologist clinic or spa
Chemical peels use a strong acid formula to remove the top layer of the skin so that it can fade acne scars. This treatment gives a dramatic effect in no time. The doctor will apply an acid solution to your face.
- The types of acids used are glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid.
- Use sunscreen afterwards as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
- During the treatment, you may feel that your skin is burning or irritated. If you can't stand it, tell a dermatologist. Strong ingredients can make the skin flaky, red, or swollen, which is visible after the procedure. Dermatologist will give lotion to reduce discomfort.
- You can do this procedure yourself at home with light ingredients, but be careful. Ask a dermatologist for advice before trying.
Step 5. Get a dermabrasion at a spa or dermatologist clinic
Dermabrasion removes the top layer of skin with a special wire brush. Scars on the surface of the skin can usually be removed, and deep scars can be minimized.
- Dermabrasion can cause changes in skin pigment in dark skinned patients.
- For a less intense procedure, try microdermabrasion. The dermatologist will move the tiny crystals on the top layer of the skin and suck them out, along with the dead skin cells. The result is not as visible as dermabrasion.
Step 6. Get laser treatment to remove deep scars
The laser burns the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the layer of skin underneath. When the skin recovers, the acne scars disappear. Sometimes, laser treatment has to be done several times until the acne scars fade.
Step 7. Get surgery to repair acne scars and lesions
This surgery is usually non-invasive. The doctor will cut the acne scars with excision and replace them with skin grafts or stitches. Alternatively, the doctor will relax the muscle fibers under the skin with a needle.
Tips
- Try to always be optimistic. Cystic acne can respond to strong medical treatments so that the pimple can be removed.
- Intense treatments sometimes still take several weeks to reach full effect. While some people can see results right away, others need more time.
