Cystic acne what is it

Most pimples occur when a pore gets clogged with oil, dirt, or dead skin cells. Sometimes bacteria can also get trapped inside the pore, creating a localized infection that makes the area red and slightly painful. Although these pimples should not be popped , they are easier to deal with or treat and will usually go away after some time. Cystic acne, on the other hand, does not go away by itself.

It occurs when bacteria causes inflammation deep in the skin, creating large cysts filled with fluid. Often, the surface of the skin will have swollen, red bumps that are incredibly painful to touch, as the cysts underneath are inflamed. If ignored, cysts can take anywhere from weeks to go away by themselves. Although your body will eventually deal with the inflammation, some cysts can persist for extended periods of time and often leave behind scars.

Acne scarring is due to the inflamed cyst rupturing deep under the skin, causing damage to the surrounding tissue. Acne scars can come in different forms, but usually cause both changes in pigmentation dark marks and changes in skin texture ice pick scars or pock marks.

Like all other acne, the cause of cystic acne is often multifactorial. Often it is due to a combination of genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. Scientists have been searching for a dietary cause of acne for years.

Some studies have shown that breakouts can be triggered by excess processed sugar consumption or a change in diet. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.

Cystic acne is a severe type of acne in which the pores in the skin become blocked, leading to infection and inflammation. The skin condition mainly affects the face, but also often affects the upper trunk and upper arms.

Acne most often affects adolescents and young adults, with an estimated 80 percent of people between 11 and 30 years of age experiencing acne at some point.

In , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC found that acne was the top reason people gave for visiting a dermatologist.

The treatment of severe, cystic acne requires the help of a specialist doctor and some self-care measures. Drug treatment can be effective at preventing cysts and scarring.

Mild or moderate acne can be managed with the help of a doctor. However, severe acne characterized by nodules and cysts may need referral to a specialist, as it might leave scars or already show signs of scarring.

This is partly because the main drugs used to treat cystic acne are tightly controlled. Benzoyl peroxide is a treatment available to people with acne of any severity. It is also a treatment option for people with severe acne who are awaiting specialist treatment. Benzoyl peroxide is available directly from pharmacies over the counter in a number of formulations that may be applied to the skin.

It has been a mainstay in the treatment of acne for over 50 years, and works by killing bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes P. Some benzoyl peroxide treatments are also available to purchase online. It also breaks up comedones. These include whiteheads and blackheads. Water-based and alcohol-based formulations of benzoyl peroxide are available, and the most appropriate form depends on skin type.

Alcohol-based preparations have a drying effect, making these more suitable for people with oily skin. Benzoyl peroxide products, which include cleansing liquids and bars, lotions, creams, and gels, are used once or twice a day.

The most common side-effect is skin irritation. Allergies do not commonly occur. Isotretinoin is a prescription drug for the treatment of cystic acne, sold under a number of brand names in the United States, including Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, and Sotret. Isotretinoin is a very effective treatment, but it has significant side effects and is dangerous to an unborn child.

It is usually taken at a dosage of 1 milligram mg for every kilogram of body weight once daily for 16 to 20 weeks. For cases of moderate acne, isotretinoin is not recommended until standard treatment with oral antibiotics has been tried and found to be ineffective. Isotretinoin is, however, recommended as a first-line treatment for severe acne. Blockages and inflammation deep inside hair follicles produce cystlike lumps beneath the surface of your skin. Other pores in your skin, which are the openings of the sweat glands, aren't usually involved in acne.

People with darker skin types are more likely than are people with lighter skin to experience these acne complications:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Common acne Open pop-up dialog box Close. Common acne Acne occurs when the openings of hair follicles become clogged and blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Cystic acne Open pop-up dialog box Close. Cystic acne Cystic acne — the most severe form of acne — occurs when oil and dead skin cells build up deep within hair follicles.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. How acne develops Open pop-up dialog box Close. How acne develops Acne develops when sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin — and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. More Information Adult acne: Can natural hormone treatments help? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert.

Mayo Clinic; American Academy of Dermatology. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Alpha hydroxyl acids AHAs. Natural Medicines. Accessed July 9, Rakel D, ed. Acne vulgaris and acne rosacea. In: Integrative Medicine.