Cystic Acne in Adults

What is Cystic Acne?

Mild to moderately severe acne may consist of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) that form on the superficial layers of the skin. However, cystic acne results when an infection takes place deep inside the hair follicle, close to the root. Cystic acne are deep lesions that are filled with liquid comprised of white blood cells, dead cells and bacteria. In many cases, they are extremely inflamed and painful and leave scars.

Do Topical Creams Work?

Mild to moderately severe acne can be reduced by using prescription topicals, such as antimicrobials, which fight bacteria, and retinoids, which aid in turning over dead skin on the surface of the skin. Anyone with acne should be encouraged to use good hygiene. Dermatologists recommend washing the infected area at least twice daily with a mild cleanser, using only the fingertips or hands to avoid irritating the skin into producing more sebum. In some cases of acne can easily be resolved using only topical treatments purchased from the drugstore. But when it comes to getting rid of cystic acne, aggressive medical treatment is required.

Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics have been used to treat acne systemically for many years. These drugs work by fighting the bacteria that cause acne. Patients with severe cystic acne may be given a higher dose of an antibiotic. However, there is the danger that the bacteria that causes the acne will become resistant to antibiotic therapy, necessitating use of another type of antibiotic. Drugs typically used to treat acne include doxycline, erythromycin, minocycline, and tetracycline.

Isotretinoin

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, oral isotretinoin is the most effective cure for cystic acne, as it addresses all of the factors that cause it (excessive oil production, bacteria and accumulation of dead skin cells). This treatment usually takes 16 to 20 weeks, during which time isotretinoin is taken daily. However, this medication does come with some side-effects, including dry eyes and mucosal linings, blurry vision, thinning hair, and headaches. Additionally, because this drug causes damage to a fetus in utero, women of child-bearing age are required to undergo stringent monitoring and pregnancy testing during the course of their treatment. Usually, only one round of isotrentinoin is required to resolve cystic acne.

Other Ways to Treat Cystic Acne

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