How To Prevent And Manage Cystic Acne

Acne can be very annoying. Since appearance is very important to people, acne can drop one's self confidence. But, what is cystic acne? Cystic acne is also referred to as nodulocystic acne. It is the most abrasive type of acne vulgaris. If you are suffering from this condition, cited below are important pieces of information that will help you understand this condition better.

Causes
Various factors is correlated with the development of acne. Frequently, it develops when the skin follicles are blocked by dead skin cells and sebum. When Propionibacterium, a type of bacteria is exposed to the closed follicles, irritation, redness and inflammation can follow. Changes in hormone levels can also cause this skin condition. When the amount of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and insulin-like growth factor 1 are not within normal limits, acne can occur. Furthermore, cystic acne can have genetic predisposition. Look at your family tree, see if mommy or daddy or other members of the family who has suffered from this type of acne. In other cases, this type of acne is also triggered by pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome or Cushing's syndrome in adult women.

Symptoms
This skin condition is often described as deep and sore breakouts that form on the face and other areas of the body like the back and trunk. As compared to the average acne, the blemishes of cystic acne can become very large. Some may measure several centimetres across. Moreover, it feels like a soft, fluid-filled lump under the skin's surface. Cystic acne can also be very painful.

Nodulocystic acne on the other hand can be a combination of nodules and cysts or nodular acne only. Nodules are hard and painful lumps found underneath the skin's surface. They are larger than papules and it takes longer time to heal. Many skin experts believe that cystic acne is not really cysts but are severely inflamed nodular skin breakouts.

Treatment

If you believe that you have cystic acne, call a reputable skin doctor's clinic at once. This type of acne is very harmful and it needs to be managed instantly. The doctor may prescribe you with topical medications and antibiotics. The usual products prescribed by skin doctors consist of Benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids and anti-inflammatories. For female patients, hormone therapies can work well since cystic acne is believed to be triggered by high levels of androgen hormones and possible development of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Moreover, dermatologists can try homeopathic treatment to manage the condition. Lifestyle modification like regular exercise is very effective in treating and preventing cystic acne because exercise can increase blood and oxygen flow in the blood. It can also help remove unwanted toxins. Another benefit of exercise is it reduces the psychological stress of the person. According to studies, psychological stress can cause this type of acne.

Cystic acne should not be ignored. If you suspect and observe any of the symptoms mentioned above, visit your dermatologist readily. Experimenting on treatments can only aggravate the condition. It is best to trust your doctor's advice.

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