Cystic acne or acne vulgaris is a very common skin issue causing scaly skin, redness, blackheads, whiteheads, pinheads or pimples often resulting in scarring.
It can be very painful and may cause a lot of irritation or discomfort. Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, diet, skin infection or even genetic disorders often cause blockage in follicles resulting in this form of acne.
Cystic acnes often occur during adolescence and subside gradually by 30s however they can be cause severe irritation, discomfort and possible scarring for lifetime.
There are several over the counter medications and home remedies available to treat it however the treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Natural treatments
Skin care regime – Maintaining a skin care regime is extremely important in preventing cystic acne. It is very important to use mild face wash twice a day to cleanse the face.
Also, scrub should be used twice a week to remove dead skin cells however it can be avoided in case of severe acnes. Cleansing the skin helps in dislodging dirt, blackheads, whiteheads and removing dead skin cells which block pores.
Moisturizing the skin depending on the skin type regulates the oil levels preventing excess oil secretion on the skin to keep skin clean.
Aloe Vera gel – Aloe Vera has skin calming and soothing properties. Regular application of Aloe Vera gel calms the skin and regulates the oil level on surface of the skin preventing acne formation.
Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar has strong anti-inflammatory properties which are very helpful in curing cystic acne however it is very strong and may cause skin burn when applied directly to the skin.
Apple cider vinegar should be diluted with water and used on the affected area to get rid of cystic acne. Treatment should be stopped if it causes severe itching and irritation.
Turmeric – Turmeric works very well too. Topical application of turmeric paste helps in removing scars as well.
Tea tree oil – Tea tree oil has very strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Topical application of tea tree oil works extremely well in healing cystic acne. Ingestion of tea tree oil can cause severe adverse effect and it should be avoided.
Medications
There are several over-the-counter medications available to heal cystic acne. Severe cases require medical attention to treat them effectively and to prevent spreading them further.
Benzoyl peroxide – It works very well in healing cystic acne. Topical use of benzoyl peroxide cream fights bacteria causing cystic acne however it may cause redness and dryness of the skin.
Antibiotics – Antibiotics may be suggested by the doctor in severe cases. Antibiotics are prescribed by doctor and should be taken as prescribed by doctor only to avoid any adverse effects.
Antiseptics – Antiseptic creams, lotions and other medication are effective in healing acne as well. These medications are often prescribed by the doctor based on the severity of the condition.
Hormone treatment, surgery or other treatments are recommended in the some cases by doctor depending on the severity of the skin condition. Prevention is the most important step in healing cystic acne.
Squeezing of acne, reducing stress levels, healthy changes in the diet like less greasy food or alcohol consumption, keeping hair away from the face, avoiding harsh chemicals and maintaining good hygiene level are very important in healing and preventing it from spreading further.
Home remedies work in healing of the condition however medical assistance is crucial if the conditions persists or worsens.