What is cystic acne?
Cystic acne is the most serious form of acne. While whiteheads and blackheads occur on top of the skin, with cystic acne, boil-like spots develop deep under your skin. If you have cystic acne, you will notice large, pus-filled spots that can be painful to touch and sometimes itchy. Out of all types of acne, cystic acne is the most likely to scar.
Acne cysts are most noticeable on your face, but they’re also common on the chest, neck, back, and arms. Cystic acne may even develop on the shoulders and behind the ears. Your chin and jawline are particularly prone as these areas have a large number of oil glands—which means a higher probability of breakouts and clogged pores.
What causes cystic acne?
Cystic acne tends to appear on people with oily skin. It’s most common in teens, women, and older adults with hormonal imbalances. When your body’s hormone levels shift, it sends oil-producing glands into overdrive. An oil gland itself can become engorged or swollen because it’s filled with hardened excess oil. There may be dietary causes too.
Does cystic acne differ by skin tone?
Clinically there is no difference in the appearance of acne between Caucasians and people of color. However, anatomical study of the microscopic structure reveals there are distinguishing characteristics of acne in skin of color, namely post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and keloidal or hypertrophic scarring. The medical and surgical treatment options are the same for all skin tones.
How can I help prevent the effects of cystic acne?
- Wash your face once a day in the evening, using a cleanser that removes excess dirt and oil and, if appropriate, make-up. Choose products that are labeled as “non comedogenic” and avoid any that are harsh or drying. Scrubs can irritate existing inflammatory acne and make it worse.
- Wear sunscreen every day. This will help prevent sunburn from acne medications that may sensitize you to sun exposure, as well as skin cancer. Purchase an oil-free sunscreen to avoid clogging pores.
- Try to find ways to alleviate unnecessary stress in your life as stress is linked to acne breakouts.
- Avoid foods that have high glycemic levels. These include white breads, pastas, and rice, as well as sugary treats.
- Wash your face and body after working out to remove oil and bacteria.
- Avoid picking at your skin. Even picking less severe forms of acne can lead to cystic buildups.
How can I help prevent the effects of cystic acne?
Wash your face once a day in the evening, using a cleanser that removes excess dirt and oil and, if appropriate, make-up. Choose products that are labeled as “non comedogenic”, “oil-free” and “acne fighting” and avoid any that are harsh or drying. Scrubs can irritate existing inflammatory acne and make it worse.
Wear sunscreen every day. This will help prevent sunburn from acne medications that may sensitize you to sun exposure, as well as skin cancer. Purchase an oil-free sunscreen to avoid clogging pores.
Try to find ways to alleviate unnecessary stress in your life as stress is linked to acne breakouts.
Avoid foods that have high glycemic levels. These include white breads, pastas, and rice, as well as sugary treats.
Wash your face and body after working out to remove oil and bacteria.
Avoid picking at your skin. Even picking less severe forms of acne can lead to cystic buildups.
