Jan 21, 2011

How to Remove Acne Cysts

By Kevin Nelson


It is very uncommon for cysts to form during a normal acne case. However, whenever these cysts or abnormal formations of the skin structure occur, it should be of great concern to your dermatologist and you. Cystic acne is a severe form of acne and can grow into another aggressive type of acne known as acne conglobata. That is why it is extremely important to stop mild acne in its tracks so that it does not progress into one of the more severe types of acne outbreaks many people are faced with.

Symptoms That Can Be Very Painful

Cysts that form as a result of acne are not technically cysts by the pure medical definition. Technically speaking, they are just very large, sensitive, and inflamed pimples the are sometimes filled with puss. These cysts can appear on your shoulders, face, neck, chest, and scalp.

But even a single acne cyst can be so painful that you may be tempted to pop the pimple. However, this is not advisable as the bacteria from the hands or the objects used to pop the zit can worsen the skin's condition. If there is any attempt at all to drain the cyst of its puss, it must be done in the sterile environment of the doctor's office.

If you pop such cysts on your own you may wind up with scars instead of cysts. A dermatologist has the tools and skills to reduce any inflammation of your cysts using treatments such as cortisone injections.

More Than One Effective Treatment

Luckily, there are numerous ways to treat cystic acne. Because this condition is a bacterial infection, dermatologists will either use surgical procedures or prescribe oral antibiotics. These treatments reduce or remove the cysts present on your body, normally in 3-5 days.

- Oral antibiotics inhibit and eventually eliminate the formation and growth of acne cysts. Their main action is against a specific type of bacteria in the skin, which contributes to the inflammation of the acne. Doctors usually start patients on high doses and then gradually taper off as the skin becomes clearer.

- Corticosteroid injections lessen the inflammation, help the skin tissues heal and shrink the cyst into manageable levels. The end result is often little to no acne scars left behind after the cyst has been removed.

- Birth control pills are also helpful in treating acne cysts although not everybody will benefit from these oral contraceptives. These pills work by inducing hormonal changes with a positive impact on the treatment for acne. Still, one must not place too much hope in oral contraceptives as these may have little effects on cystic acne in most people.

- Accutane (or Isotretinoin) will lessen the body's production of sebum releasing into the surface of your skin. This will help minimize the formation of acne.

Surgery is one of the most effective methods of dealing with this condition but should be considered as a last option. In this procedure, the cyst will be drained and then removed by your dermatologist. After the surgery, you will prescribed special medications that will aid in the healing of your skin.




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