Causes, Symptoms
& Treatments
What is Cystic Acne?
Cystic acne presents itself as hard lumps under the skin resulting from a combination of dead skin cells, oil and bacteria which get trapped deep in the pores. They can be localised in a small area or they appear generally across the face, but also the back or chest and behind the ears.
Cystic acne typically resembles boils on the skin. Other characteristics include:
- large cysts filled with pus or white bumps
- redness & inflammation
- tenderness and/or itchiness
- painful to the touch
Although anyone can develop acne, cystic acne is more prevalent in those with oily skin types, as well as teens, women and older adults with hormonal imbalances.
Cystic Acne causes
The main factors causing cystic acne relate to the hormonal changes during puberty, although it can occur in older individuals too.
Stress can contribute to cystic acne but it is most commonly caused by severe, systemic acne, which means an underlying insensitivity to a hormonal imbalance that creates the right environment on the skin for cystic acne to take hold.
Cystic acne can also develop from moderate acne if the condition worsens without effective intervention. Contrary to popular belief, cystic acne is not triggered by chocolate, dairy or greasy foods.
Cystic Acne symptoms
Large cysts
These are red, tender, elevated bumps on the surface of the skin. The cysts may have one or more pustules within them that are filled with pus.
Pain and inflammation
Pain occurs as a result of the lesions’ size, depth, and inflammation. Because they’re so deep in the skin, the cysts are closer to nerve endings, so high amounts of inflammation may become especially painful in certain areas.
Excess oil
A typical symptom of acne-prone skin, excess oil occurs when the sebaceous glands located at the base of hair follicles start to overproduce oil.
Congestion
Environmental aggressors along with sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells can clog the pores. Congestion is characterised by bumps underneath the skin, blackheads and a general dull appearance.
Cystic Acne treatment
It’s important to treat cystic acne as soon as possible to minimise the risk of acne scarring. As cystic acne can tunnel in to the very deep layers of the skin, scars are sometimes inevitable, but through swift and effective treatment, you’ll be giving your skin the best chance to avoid severe scars.
The best cystic acne treatment is to receive specialist attention from a dermatologist, who will assess your skin and most likely prescribe medication, such as oral antibiotics or topical retinoids. This will treat the systemic causes of the condition before skin treatments, such as peels, can be used. At home treatment would not be sufficient to treat cystic acne successfully.
Prevention and skincare tips
The best way you can avoid cystic acne is through a diligent skincare routine:
- Wash your face using a gentle cleanser. You can find a selection of dermatologist-approved cleansers for acne here.
- Do not pick at your skin. Bursting your pimples will likely spread the acne bacteria across other areas of your face, leading to more lesions and breakouts. Even if you don’t have cystic acne, picking at your skin will increase the risk of developing this condition
- Select skincare and makeup products that are labelled as non-comedogenic and oil-free. This means they will be less likely to clog your pores.
- Always remove your makeup before going to bed
- Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen, every day, regardless of the weather. If you have already been prescribed with cystic acne medication, your skin is likely more prone to sunburn. Wearing SPF will ensure your skin is also protected against the aging effects of UVA rays, as well as skin cancer. You can find a selection of dermatologist-approved sunscreen here.
- Try to minimise stress. There is evidence linking acne breakouts to stress.
- Avoid foods with a high glycemic index, such as pasta, bread and sweets.
