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Unlike common types of pimples on the skin, cystic acne (pustules) is a type of acne that can seriously affect skin health. This is a severe variant of acne and is formed through the inflammatory process on the skin surface. The main cause is due to the blockage of pores due to sebum, residual makeup powder on the skin, prolonged accumulation of dirt, etc.
These factors cause the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria to thrive, grow, and intensify attacks on the skin, thereby causing severe irritation and damage to the hair follicles and forming cystic acne. When cystic acne appears, it means that this inflammation has penetrated deep into the layer of skin cells. If not treated promptly, the inflammatory bacteria will damage and cause severe damage to the internal structure of the skin.
Cystic acne often appears in areas such as the chin, jawline, cheeks,... (Source: Internet)Cystic acne can appear anywhere on the face such as: chin, nose, forehead, cheeks, jawline,... And regardless of the location, the acne still causes more severe pain than other commonly seen types of acne. Because cystic acne mostly has large and hard sizes, swollen red pimples causing discomfort and pain for acne sufferers. Additionally, the pimple core area contains white or yellow pus, which may be hidden deep under the skin surface or clearly visible on the skin for easy observation.
Overview of the stages of cystic acne formation (Source: Internet)Stage 1
Poor skin hygiene leads to clogged pores, initiating the development of cystic acne on the skin. Aggressive bacterial invasion triggers inflammation, transforming cystic acne into pus-filled nodules. Initially small, these nodules rapidly swell. The affected area appears swollen, red, and tender to touch.
Stage 2
Over the course of 2 – 3 days, the inflammatory process escalates rapidly, causing the cysts to swell. Additionally, the formation of yellow or white pus exacerbates the pain and discomfort. This stage emphasizes the importance of refraining from touching or popping the cysts to avoid the risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation.
Stage 3
This marks the ripe stage of cystic acne. The pus has surfaced, and the cysts have dried up. At this point, you can address the cysts. Upon rupture, blood and pus are expelled along with the cystic core, paving the way for skin recovery.
One crucial aspect to consider when dealing with cystic acne is ensuring proper skin hygiene and thorough removal of pus to prevent recurrence. While post-acne hyperpigmentation is inevitable, neglecting skin recovery may lead to permanent scarring.
Complex Causes of Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is formed due to a myriad of complex causes, making treating this condition exceptionally challenging. Some typical causes of cystic acne include:
Due to Dysregulation of Secretory Functions
Endocrine disorders are among the common culprits behind cystic acne (Source: Internet)
Unhealthy habits such as poor diet, overconsumption of fast food, spicy and greasy food, inadequate sleep, prolonged work-related stress, etc., directly affect the endocrine system and put pressure on the detoxification functions of the liver and kidneys. Pimples are just one of the many health consequences that an unhealthy diet and lifestyle can bring about.
In cases where pimples form due to this reason, treating them effectively starts with changing your diet and lifestyle. Having a well-regulated sleep schedule and adopting healthy eating habits will be the first step to effectively combatting pimples.
Genetic Factors
Prolonged and persistent occurrence of pimples in some individuals may stem from genetic factors. Scientists have yet to identify the specific genes linked to genetic acne, so there are no definitive treatment measures. However, at some point, the condition will likely improve and cease. The only thing we can do in this case is to maintain thorough skin hygiene and take good care of our skin and overall health.
Effective and Safe Methods to Treat Pimples, Pustules, and Swollen Red Pimples
Depending on the condition of your skin and the severity of the pimples, the treatment method will be adjusted accordingly. For stubborn pimples like cystic acne, if not treated properly, they can spread across the face, prolonging the treatment process due to encountering many difficulties. Therefore, you need to be extremely cautious in considering treatment options. Below are some ways to treat cystic acne that you should consider:
Take Antibiotics
You may need to take antibiotics and should use them as directed by a doctor. (Source: Internet)Using contraceptive pills to treat cystic acne in cases where acne arises from hormonal imbalances. Contraceptive pills help regulate hormones and suppress testosterone production, thereby reducing sebum production associated with cystic acne.
Using contraceptive pills can lead to inflammatory acne (Source: Internet)Using acne treatment products
Specific acne treatment products, such as topical medications, are preferred by many due to their convenience and dual effectiveness in nourishing the skin and treating acne. Effective topical acne treatments you can use should contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, hydrocortisone, salicylic acid,... These medications not only help reduce inflammation and shrink pimples but also effectively minimize post-acne hyperpigmentation.
For optimal treatment effectiveness, choose acne treatment products with clear origins, produced by reputable skincare brands with extensive experience in facial care. Avoid over-the-counter acne products with unclear ingredients or origins to prevent worsening acne condition.
Applying prescribed acne treatment products is also an effective way to treat cystic acne (Source: Internet)Injecting Cortisone medication
The Cortisone injection method is applied in cases of severe inflammatory cystic acne, hardened and extensively inflamed acne. Cortisone medication will be injected directly into the acne. The cystic acne will gradually deflate after a few days because the primary action of the medication is to reduce inflammation.
Although achieving almost instant results, this method is likely to cause scarring to the treated area and requires a lengthy skin recovery period. Therefore, you must be extremely patient if you choose to use Cortisone medication as a treatment method.
Severely inflamed, hardened, and swollen cystic acne lesions may benefit from Cortisone injections (Source: Internet).Hoping that this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of cystic acne, its causes, and safe, effective treatment methods. Find and purchase acne treatment products from renowned skincare brands such as La Roche Posay, Derma Forte, Paula’s Choice, Caryophy,... available at Mytour. Mytour is committed to delivering the highest quality products to your doorstep, along with numerous attractive deals updated daily.
