Acne! One of the most trending skin concerns for teenagers these days. Right?
Well, acne is a part of life for everyone, not just teenagers. However, anyone who has had to cope with cystic acne knows how nasty it can be.
Here, you will get to know in depth about cystic acne, its causes, and types. Also, you’ll find some tips on, ‘How to get rid of cystic acne?’.
Let’s start.
Table of Contents
Cystic Acne: What is it?
Red, big, and painful outbreaks on your skin! That’s cystic acne.
Acne usually develops when pores in your skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. When infection spreads into your skin, cystic acne develops. As a result, pus-filled lumps form on your skin. When those lumps/cysts burst, the infection spreads, resulting in further outbreaks.
How can you identify cystic acne? It has the appearance of boils and is uncomfortable to touch. It is most commonly found on the chin, forehead, and cheeks.
What Causes Cystic Acne to Develop?
Why do I get cystic acne? Why is my acne getting worse everyday? Many of you must have asked these questions yourself. Am I right?
Well, let me tell you there are a number of factors and reasons. Read further!
Buildup of Bacteria and Oil
Buildup of germs and sebum on the skin causes cystic acne. Does that mean you’ve to wash your face often? NO. Cystic acne isn’t caused by not washing one’s face enough.
Other environmental factors, such as the cosmetics we use on our skin, can instead trigger cystic acne. So, avoid wearing makeup for long periods of time, if you don’t want to worsen your acne. Your skin will thank you for this.
Hormones
Cystic acne can be triggered by hormonal changes such as those induced by menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy. And yes how to forget PCOS, another common and important cause of developing cystic acne.
Some other factors that may cause cystic acne include:
- Certain medications such as drug containing testosterone
- Consuming carbohydrate rich diet such as chocolates, bread, chips, etc., may worsen cystic acne.
- Stress can worsen the cystic acne. However, stress alone can’t cause acne.
- Family history
- Friction on your skin by items such as cellphones and helmets
Now, let’s have a view of a cystic acne face map; different locations of cystic acne on your face and what is causing them.
Cystic Acne on Chin, Think of Hormones!
Ah! The dreadful cystic acne on my chin.
Hormone fluctuations, which can occur during puberty or the menstrual cycle, are the most common cause of cystic acne on the chin. However, cystic acne on the chin can affect anyone at any age.
Cystic Acne on Cheeks, Think of Germs!
It’s not just about faeces. E. coli and other bacteria are almost certainly present on your phone. When you hold your phone to your face, you’re introducing bacteria to your skin, which could lead to more acne.
Dirty phones, pillowcases, and other habits like touching your face are common reasons behind cystic acne on cheeks.
Cystic Acne on Forehead and Nose, Think of Oil!
Excessive sebum production causes acne. Sebum is an oily material produced by the sebaceous glands that moisturises and protects the skin. Breakouts may occur more frequently in the T zone of the face, forehead and nose, due to increased oil production.
In a research study, a link was found between sebum production and the amount of acne in the T-zone.
Home Remedies for Cystic Acne
How to get rid of cystic acne with some home remedies? Here are some simple steps that can help prevent acne or keep it from growing worse:
Note: Consider visiting your dermatologist before trying any of the following remedies.
You can consult a well-known dermatologist in Lahore. You can book an appointment via Helathwire.pk or make a call at (042) 32500989.
1- Turmeric Mask
Turmeric has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. You can make a turmeric mask to treat cystic acne.
How to make a turmeric mask? Make a thick paste by mixing modest amounts of water with turmeric powder. Apply this paste directly to the cystic acne and leave it on for 45 minutes. Then rinse off with water. Apply twice a day.
2- Use Ice to Get Rid of Cystic Acne
Because ice reduces itching, pain, swelling, and redness some doctors recommend pressing an ice cube on the cystic acne lesion until the cold becomes unbearable.
3- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use it as a topical home remedy to get rid of cystic acne.
Learn more about the benefits of tea tree oil.
4- Use A Gentle Facial Cleanser
Don’t use harsh scrubs! They can irritate and dry up your skin even more. It will lead to an increase in oil production as your skin tries to compensate for the lost moisture. You should wash your face with a light cleanser at least once a day, in the evening before going to bed.
5- Remove Makeup
Every night, before going to bed, remove your makeup. To prevent build-up under the skin, look for products that are labelled non-comedogenic or oil-free.
6- Some Other Important Habits to Consider
Stop picking your cysts. You risk spreading the virus by pushing it deeper. Allow blemishes to heal on their own rather than popping or pressing them to avoid scarring.
Relax! Stress can make your body to release more hormones making acne even worse
Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Get enough rest and exercise. Add a low-glycemic diet in your daily routine. A sugar-restricted diet can help alleviate symptoms.
Avoid the sun and tanning beds. Both can harm your skin.
Avoid using DIY “remedies” such as baking soda, honey, or toothpaste on your skin. These ingredients can irritate and clog your pores, and they won’t help you get rid of cystic acne.
Medical Treatments to Treat Cystic Acne
If home remedies are not working to treat your cystic acne, it’s time to contact a dermatologist. A dermatologist may recommend the following treatments, depending on the cause of your acne:
- Antibiotics to treat infections and inflammation such as tetracycline.
- Isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane) is used to treat severe acne.
- Spironolactone to control oil production.
- Injections of steroid drugs directly into cysts to alleviate inflammation and pain.
- Birth control pills to regulate hormonal levels.
- Topical retinoids to unclog pores and help antibiotics do their action.
Read about dermatologists approved hyperpigmentation treatments.
Outlook!
Cystic acne is unpleasant and persistent. However, with care, and patience, you may decrease or eliminate symptoms and improve your skin’s appearance. Using above mentioned home remedies and medical treatments can help you with your all time concern, ‘How to get rid of cystic acne?’.
