How to Get Rid of Cystic Acne on Your Face

Cystic acne (also known as nodular acne) on the face usually consists of sebum or keratin blocks in the skin and hair follicles. These lumps often resemble small pea-sized bumps beneath the skin, sometimes surrounded by a small area of white or red skin. Despite looking like typical pimples, cystic acne lies deeper in the skin, and it’s important not to try to pop it like a whitehead. Thankfully, there are several methods to help cystic acne heal faster, and medical treatments can provide a complete solution.

Warm Compress. Soak a towel in warm water to create a compress. Avoid using hot water, as it may irritate the skin. Gently press the towel onto the cystic acne and surrounding area, leaving it there until the towel cools. If the towel cools too quickly, repeat the process twice and perform this treatment multiple times a day.

• The warm compress can help dissolve the proteins or oils in the cystic acne, speeding up the healing process, though it may not always be effective.
• Warm compress therapy can potentially shorten the cystic acne's duration by half.

Do not attempt to pop or squeeze cystic acne yourself. Trying to pop or squeeze cystic acne can often make the situation worse. This is because cystic acne can extend quite deep into the skin, and attempting to perform this procedure without a doctor’s help can not only be ineffective but may also lead to worse inflammation, and potentially cause the acne to return more severely due to improper drainage and incomplete healing. Cystic acne also carries the risk of infection. Therefore, it's important to consult a doctor for any such procedures rather than attempting it at home.

Recognize the signs of complications. If your cystic acne becomes infected or inflamed, you should see a doctor for proper treatment. Watch for any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Pain or tenderness around the cystic acne
• Redness around the cystic acne
• Warmth in the skin surrounding the cystic acne
• Grayish-white discharge from the cystic acne with a foul odor
• Any of these symptoms may indicate infection or inflammation of the cystic acne.
• Any cystic acne near the eyes should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Seek medical treatment if cystic acne does not resolve within a month. If complications arise or the cystic acne does not heal on its own (especially if it's causing pain or cosmetic concerns), do not hesitate to visit a doctor. There are several treatment options for cystic acne on the face.

Make an appointment with a dermatologist. If your insurance requires a referral to see a specialist, you will need to first visit a general practitioner. Be sure to provide a detailed medical history and describe the condition of your cystic acne accurately.

Inquire about the procedure for draining and excising cystic acne. Cystic acne is often filled with fluid, so when the doctor punctures the cyst, most of its contents can be drained (removed), speeding up recovery. However, the drawback of this method is that it doesn't prevent the cystic acne from recurring. While it is highly effective in the short term, this procedure frequently leads to recurrence over time. Nonetheless, it remains a worthwhile option and could be the effective treatment you've been looking for!

• The doctor uses a sharp instrument to puncture the cyst and remove keratin, sebum, or other materials inside to aid in healing.
• After draining the fluid, the wound should be cleaned and properly bandaged to prevent infection. Following the doctor's instructions after the procedure is essential to keep the wound clean.
• Never attempt to drain cystic acne at home, as this can result in infection and scarring if done improperly.

Consider surgery if cystic acne recurs. If cystic acne persists and other treatments have not been successful, it may be time to consider surgical options. Typically, the skin around the cyst must be non-inflamed or minimally inflamed to perform surgery. Therefore, if the cyst is inflamed, you may need a corticosteroid injection to reduce the inflammation before surgery.

• You can choose a less invasive surgical approach, where the doctor removes only the front wall of the cyst, allowing the rest to heal on its own.
• Another option is to remove the cyst completely. This method is most effective in preventing recurrence and further complications. The wound will be stitched up, and you'll need to return in a week to have the stitches removed.
• If you opt for complete cyst removal, ask your doctor if it's possible to make the incision inside your mouth to avoid scarring. This technique is becoming increasingly popular for its aesthetic benefits.

Follow post-surgery care instructions closely. After surgery, it's crucial to carefully follow the doctor's instructions to ensure optimal recovery. Since the cyst is on the face, proper care is key to avoiding cosmetic concerns later on. Possible post-surgery complications include scarring, infection, and/or damage to facial muscles.

Ask your doctor about oral antibiotics. Antibiotics could be a viable option for individuals who frequently experience cystic acne on their face. If you're prone to cystic acne, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics to help prevent further breakouts.

• Maintain good hygiene (shower daily, change sportswear regularly, frequently replace bed sheets, etc.) to minimize the risk of cystic acne formation and persistence.
• Keep your overall health in check by exercising and following an anti-inflammatory diet to help treat cystic acne.