Acne Information

Cystic acne treatment is a treatment for a severe form of acne, known as cystic acne, which is characterized by painful acne cyst or nodules. The cysts are formed by blocked oil glands, which burst open and introduce inflammation and pus to surrounding tissue. This tissue infection usually occurs deep under the skin and the deep-bedded, infectious waste is not discharged. The resulting acne cyst can produce long-term scarring of the skin, particularly if the acne goes untreated for some time. Even with proper cystic acne treatment, acne cysts tend to heal slowly. Because acne cyst are also very visible and the side effects of treatment are, rather, harsh, cystic acne tends to be as psychologically painful as it is physically painful.

Cystic acne can be difficult to treat and it is, often times, resistant to most well-known acne treatments. Most acne treatments, particularly over-the-counter treatments, are devised to treat the symptoms of acne. These treatments are best suited for light to moderate types of acne. Cystic acne is a severe form of acne, requiring specialized treatment to treat the biological processes that cause the acne and associated acne cyst. Cystic acne treatments attempt to halt the progression of acne inflammation.

The most common medication used in the treatment of cystic acne is Accutane, also referred to as isotretinoin, Accutane is taken orally and has proven very effective in removing acne cyst in some patients. Accutane reduces the size of oil glands, which means that they produce less oil and, thus, reduce the spread of infection. Accutane-based, cystic acne treatment is administered in daily dosages for a range of four to five months. There are several side effects, which last for the duration of the treatment. Side effects include:

* Chapped lips

* Dry eyes

* Muscle aches

* Increased cholesterol levels

* Depression

* Birth defects in developing fetuses

Due to the side effects, patients undergoing cystic acne treatment are encouraged to carry ample amounts of lip balm, remove their contact lenses and wear glasses for the duration of their treatment. They are also encouraged to monitor their general health and report, immediately, any changes in their mental or physical health. Side effects, such as muscle aches and depression, may be cause to modify the cystic acne treatment. The combination of Accutane and high cholesterol could lead to complications of the liver. Pregnant women and women attempting to get pregnant should not be involved cystic acne treatment because of the potential for birth defects. Women are encouraged to exercise some form of birth control for the duration of the treatment.

Another method used in the treatment of severe cystic acne is referred to as intralesional corticosteroid therapy. This type of treatment is used when patients are not responsive to oral and topical treatments. The therapeutic process involves injecting each acne cyst with a solution of dilute cortisone. This, relatively painless, procedure provides immediate relief of the associated inflammation, but may require regular and repeated applications.

Yet, another method used to treat cystic acne involves surgery to remove visible blackheads and whiteheads, if present. A pointed instrument is inserted in each legion to loosen it against its own resistance and expose its contents, which are removed. This precision surgery should only be performed by a dermatologist because any ruptures to skin tissue, during the surgery, can lead to infection and increased inflammation.

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