Cystic Acne: A Brief Introduction
Nodulocystic acne, a severe type of acne vulgaris, is manifested by the development of 'cysts.' These cysts are really red and inflamed nodules, filled with pus. Unlike your typical pimples, acne cysts are large, measuring at least 5 millimeters in diameter and reaching the deep layers of the dermis. They are also painful and sore to the touch.
Breakouts involve large portions of the face, chest and back. Cysts and nodules in close proximity to one another can combine, becoming another form of severe acne called acne conglobata. The duration of severe acne is much longer than moderate acne.
Causes of Cystic Acne
Nodules and cysts appear when the hair follicle ruptures within the dermis. This break is due to amplified production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Damage increases when the skin pore becomes or is clogged, resulting in a buildup of sebum within the follicle.
The main reason for increased production of sebum is hormone imbalance, specifically of the androgen hormones. Androgens are the hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands, increasing sebum secretion. Stress and puberty are the main culprits for increased hormones and sebaceous gland activity. For this reason, cystic acne typically appears during adolescence.
Effects of Cystic Acne
Due to the rupture of the follicle, contaminated sebum and bacteria empty into the dermis, infecting surrounding follicles. A membrane grows around the infection and, as it moves closer to the skin surface, damages the healthy skin that gets in the way. Any damage to the dermal layer will cause scar tissue to form. It is very important that you seek acne treatment if you are plagued with severe cysts and nodules, otherwise, significant scarring will result.
Cystic Acne Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no simple acne solution for cystic acne and other severe forms. Over the counter meds and cleansers nor medications prescribed by general practitioners tend to be enough to resolve severe acne. Simple exfoliation or disinfection of the skin only treats the side effects and not the intrinsic sebum production problem.
For treatment options for severe acne, see your dermatologist to get a thorough review.
For extreme cases, the following treatments might be used:
*Corticosteroid injections: These injections prevent cysts from rupturing by reducing inflammation over the course of 3 to 5 days.
*Isotretinoin: This synthetic form of vitamin A is taken orally and effectively shrinks sebaceous glands, minimizing sebum secretion.
*Surgery: For large cysts that do not respond to other treatments, draining and extracting of the cyst to prevent scarring is needed. Do not try to extract your own cysts or nodules. This will cause the infection to spread, as well as worsen scarring.
Natural Acne Treatment
As an alternative, there are many herbal acne treatment products that promise rivaling efficacy. These treatments are indeed promising as they tend to focus on solving the root causes of acne, in addition to offering a mode of doing so without the side effects common to prescriptions.
According to current research, the best acne treatment would be one including the following all-natural ingredients:
*Licorice Root Extract: With anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, this natural sebum inhibitor is one of the more comprehensive natural treatments.
*Inca Inchi Oil: The oil richest in Omega-3 fatty acids, it reduces sebum production and keeps it from hardening, preventing it from clogging pores.
*Helix Aspersa Muller Glycoconjugates: This natural ingredient uses enzymes to dissolve and digest pore-clogging elements while simultaneously stimulating skin regeneration. This also works well for soothing the side effects of harsh prescription medications.
Biocutis products offer BIOSKINFORTE: a comprehensive solution for those suffering from hormonal acne. BIOSKINFORTE offsets hormone-caused sebum production, cleanses the skin of bacteria, dissolves away extra skin and keratin and keeps sebum from hardening and plugging pores.
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