In the last post we talked about simple lifestyle tips to help you reduce the frequency of your breakouts. In this post we are going to talk about a severe type of acne known as Cystic Acne, how to identify it and what type of treatment you should seek if you have it.
While millions of people around the world have some type of acne or another, cystic acne is one of the more severe types of acne and it can be both physically and emotionally damaging to those who suffer with it.
It develops from a regular pimple, also known as a pustule, then it continues by rooting itself deeper into the skin, forming a painful sore known as a cyst. These cysts can vary in size and color from small and pink to large and a dark purple. In severe cases a person will develop multiple cysts in the facial area and on the body that can be extremely painful.
Cystic acne tends to be genetically inherited, so if one of your parents had or has cystic acne, there is a high probability that you will suffer from some form of it as well. People who suffer from this type of acne commonly experience these painful cysts on different areas of their body. Breakouts can appear on the face, chest, legs, neck, shoulders, and back.
When experiencing breakouts on your chest, back, neck and legs it is a good idea to avoid wearing tight fitting clothes because they can irritate and dry out your skin, leading to more painful cysts.
During a cycle of cystic acne, people can often become desperate when it comes to seeking products that will help alleviate their pain. as we have discussed before there are literally hundreds of over-the-counter and prescription acne medications available on the market today, but one of the best known medications recommended for the treatment of severe cystic acne is Isotretinoin.
It is found in the prescription drugs Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis and Myorisan. It is class of medications called retinoids and works by slowing the production of certain natural substances that can cause pimples to form.
While it has been proven effective for treating severe cases of acne, it comes with a long list of possible side effects that you should be aware of before using it, including; red cracked and sore lips, dry skin, nosebleeds, swollen gums, hair loss and that’s just to name a few.
It has been known to cause birth defects and even possible miscarriages, so it should never be used by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Women who are prescribed acne medications that contain Isotretinoin are often required to use two forms of birth control to prevent conception.
If you are a woman, you may want to consider a product that is still effective without being quite so potent. Many women have found success with deep cleaners such as Proactiv solution and products that contain higher levels of benzoyl peroxide, which has been proven to be safe for pregnant women.
When suffering from cystic acne you should also maintain a healthy lifestyle in conjunction with any medications that you use to help alleviate your symptoms even further. Make sure that you consume a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and get plenty of exercise.
Whatever you do, don’t try to fight this battle alone. There are many treatments available it’s just a matter of finding the one that works best for your acne. Make sure that you consult with your physician or dermatologist when it comes to coping with this type of severe acne. They will be able to help you create a treatment plan that works for you.
In the next post, will be talking about some effective solutions for getting rid of ugly acne scars.