Those suffering with this skin disease understand the devastating effects the condition may have on self- esteem and general emotional well-being. It is imperative that those seek treatment as early as possible as this helps lessen the severity of the condition and may help prevent future outbreaks. There are several types of cystic acne treatment available to consider. These include prescription based, over-the-counter remedies, herbal formulas, and lifestyle changes. For many sufferers, there is not a one-time cure-all cystic acne treatment, but a varied approach using multiple strategies. It should also be noted that the best treatment for one person might not be the best for someone else. When seeking the most effective one, keep your options open and be willing to try different methods.
These treatments vary according to the possible cause of the condition. As hormonal fluctuations, surges, and imbalances are attributed as the greatest contributing factor, the most popular cystic acne treatments are those that address hormonal changes. Because acne is visible, testing is not needed to make a diagnosis. Doctors determine whether someone has acne based upon visual inspection.
When considering a treatment like this, it is important to understand what not to do. Though many attempt self-care, there are certain things that should be avoided as it will cause the condition to worsen. Never scratch, pop, or try to squeeze acne pimples. This is the number one contributing factor to scarring and can cause the infectious bacteria inside the pimples to spread. Women may want to wear a lot of makeup to cover up acne, but this can be more problematic. Women should only wear makeup that is noncomedogenic and remove all traces at night. Men and women should avoid touching their faces as this introduces bacteria, oils, and germs to the skin and can aggravate it and cause it to worsen.
Most sufferers turn to self-help treatment methods before visiting a dermatologist for prescription remedies. The most popular self-help, cystic acne treatment consists of over the counter remedies. Popular remedies include products containing sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and resorcinol. For many acne sufferers, these products work by reducing the level of bacteria on the skin, drying out the skin, and encouraging the skin to shed its top layer to reveal healthy, underlying skin. If these products fail to work, those suffering from cystic acne may choose to meet with their health care provider or dermatologist for more advanced remedies.
If a health care provider suspects there is an underlying infection or an overgrowth of bacteria, he or she may choose to treat it with antibiotics. Antibiotics may be taken orally or topically and include tetracycline, clindamycin, doxycline, erythromycin, and amoxicillin.
When hormonal fluctuations are suspected to be the cause of this form of skin disease in women, treatment may consist of birth control pills in order to regulate the hormones, and spironolactone. A popular drug used to treat cysts is Accutane (Isotretinoin). Though Accutane is unsafe for use in pregnant women, it is highly effective in treating acne that has a propensity for scarring.
Anytime you are concerned about your skin, severity of your acne, or feel it is getting worse, seek the health of a professional dermatologist or health care provider. He or she will recommend the best treatment for your individual situation.