Clicky

Cystic Acne: What Is It, And How Do You Treat It?

Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is a type of acne that causes cysts to form deep in the skin. These cysts are often painful and may take weeks or months to heal. If you have cystic acne, then you may need a dermatologist's help. In this article, we will answer all your questions about cystic acne, what it is, who can get it, how do you diagnose it, how do you treat cystic acne, and more.

Share This Post

What is cystic acne | Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Cystic acne is a type of acne that causes cysts to form deep in the skin.

These cysts are often painful and may take weeks or months to heal.

If you have cystic acne, then you may need a dermatologist’s help.

In this article, we will answer all your questions about cystic acne, what it is, who can get it, how do you diagnose it, how do you treat cystic acne, and more.

What is cystic acne?

Cystic acne is a type of severe acne that causes cysts to develop most commonly on the face, neck, chest, and back.

These cysts are deep in your skin and can cause serious infections if they break open.

The cyst may last for months or even years as they do not disappear on their own.

The cysts consist of hardened dead skin cells, bacteria, and sebum, which is the natural oil your body produces.

Cystic acne usually occurs in people who have oily skin. It is also most common in teenagers but can continue into adulthood.

Women or people with hormonal imbalances are the most likely adults to get cystic acne.

cystic acne

What causes cystic acne?

Some of the most common factors that cause cystic acne are high levels of hormones or hormonal changes that are usually caused by age, genetics, and stress.

Some cystic acne can be caused by drugs that are corticosteroids or lithium. You may also have cystic acne if you have a bacterial infection, such as the bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes).

The acne forms in the same way as other acne in that the pore of your hair follicle becomes blocked with sebum, skin cells, and bacteria.

The difference is that the dermis, or middle layer of the skin, becomes inflamed with cystic acne and this forms a cyst.

What are the symptoms of cystic acne?

The cysts of cystic acne are large and deep in the skin and will often look similar to boils. It can be an itchy and painful acne cyst, especially when you touch it.

The cysts usually form on your face but they may also appear around your neck, back, chest, shoulders, buttocks, and upper arms.

What is the difference between cystic acne and acne vulgaris?

The difference between cystic acne and acne vulgaris, which is the most common type of acne, is that cystic acne forms large, deep cysts in the skin pores. Acne vulgaris can cause severe pimples but it does not form cysts.

Instead, acne vulgaris forms bright red or dark acne nodules, also called comedones. When a comedone is considered open, that means it is a blackhead and when a comedone is closed, then it is a whitehead pimple.

Both are a form of acne that are caused by the same reasons as cystic acne but affect the skin at a different layer.  

Who can get cystic acne?

As noted above, anyone can get cystic acne, but it is most common in teenagers.

Women or people with hormonal imbalances are the most likely adults to develop cystic acne because of changes caused by age, genetics, or stress.

How do you diagnose cystic acne?

If your dermatologist suspects that your cysts are caused by a bacterial infection, they will take a sample from the cyst and send it to a laboratory for testing.

If the results come back negative then usually no further treatment is required as cysts tend to go away on their own after a few years.

If the lab results come back positive, then you will need to take antibiotics for cystic acne treatment.

How do you treat cystic acne?

There are several different treatments available to you if you have cystic acne. Please note that most over-the-counter products, or OTC, are not strong enough to treat cystic acne so it is recommended that you see your healthcare provider or dermatologist if you believe you have cystic acne.

Some of the most common treatment options are:

Antibiotic pills and creams

Once your doctor knows that your cysts are caused by an infection, then they can prescribe oral antibiotic pills or creams to help reduce and eliminate any infection you have.

This will help reduce the inflammation by killing acne-causing bacteria, but will not stop your body from producing sebum.

Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid

These topical solutions are available in OTC medications for the treatment of acne. However, doctors also have prescription-strength doses which they can prescribe.

A benzoyl peroxide product or salicylic acid product typically come in the forms of topical creams, gels, serums, or lotions that also help reduce skin inflammation. Azelaic acid can also be used for this purpose.

Isotretinoin

Formerly called Accutane, this is a strong dose of Vitamin A that comes in the form of an oral pill. It also reduces cystic acne inflammation and helps to reduce sebum production in the oil gland, also called the sebaceous gland.

Pregnant women should avoid taking isotretinoin.

Retinoids

This is a type of vitamin A that you apply topically to cysts on your skin. Retinoids help by removing the dead skin cells and unclogging your pores.

They are often used in conjunction with antibiotics.

Corticosteroid injections

Injecting a corticosteroid directly into cysts on your skin can help reduce inflammation and cyst size.

This is usually only used if other cystic acne treatments have failed or are not possible because of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or age limits.

Incision and drainage

In its most severe forms, if cystic acne cysts are causing you significant pain or discomfort, your dermatologist may decide to drain the cyst before treating it.

They will make one small incision that opens up the cyst and allows for all of its content to be drained at once.

Contraceptive pills or spironolactone

If cystic acne cysts are caused by hormone imbalances, your dermatologist may prescribe a birth control pill or spironolactone for female patients.

These medications help reduce the number of androgens, or male hormones, in a woman’s body which can lead to overactive sebaceous glands that produce more oil than necessary.

Men will not be prescribed either of these drugs.

Please note that you should never play with or pop your acne. It can cause an acne scar or make your acne worse. 

Can you prevent cystic acne?

There is no known way of preventing cystic acne. However, if you know that stress and hormones cause cysts for you then it can be helpful to avoid these triggers as much as possible.

It will also help if you maintain a daily skin routine to prevent your pores from clogging.

This should include washing your face twice a day with warm water and mild soap, using a makeup remover before you go to bed at night, exfoliating once or twice a week, and avoiding harsh soaps which can strip away the natural oils from your skin.

Also, it is very beneficial to your skin if you wear sunscreen every day as this will help prevent sunburn which can ultimately lead to skin cancer.

Summary

Cystic acne is a type of acne that is different from acne vulgaris. It will develop in your dermis, or middle layer of skin, from a clogged pore and become a cyst. It is usually caused by age, genetics, stress, or hormonal imbalances which are usually caused by age.

Anyone can get it, however, it is most common in teenagers or adults with hormonal imbalances. Your doctor or dermatologist can easily diagnose you by looking at the cyst or even taking a sample.

To treat cystic acne, doctors can prescribe a number of medications, some taken orally while some are applied topically to your skin. Draining the cyst or injecting steroids into it are also options.

There is no known way to prevent cystic acne but if you know stress or hormones are the cause then you should avoid those triggers if possible.

It will also help to keep a daily skin routine to maintain a healthy complexion. Should you have any further questions, we recommend that you speak to your doctor or dermatologist to determine the most effective treatment for you. 

References, Studies and Sources: 

Cleveland Clinic

Mayo Clinic 

MedlinePlus 

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Pharmacists.org Discount Club

Get Started for $1.

  • Cheapest cash pay option at your retail pharmacy
  • 1,000s of drugs below $10.00 that can beat your co-pay
  • Start for $1 for your first month. Cancel anytime. 
  • Tell us your meds, we tell you the cheapest options.

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

Stress Acne: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Stress Acne: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Stress. It's a powerful emotion that can wreak havoc on your body. One way that stress can appear is on your skin in the form of stress acne. Stress causes acne by increasing oil production and clogging pores, which leads to an overgrowth of bacteria. To combat this unwanted side effect of stress, we have created a guide with everything you need to know about stress acne: its causes, prevention strategies, and treatments.

Read More »
A Guide to Anti Aging Cream for Men

A Guide to Anti Aging Cream for Men

It is frequently said that men are like fine wine – they get better with age. And while in general, men may seem to age more gracefully than women, having a regular skin care routine can help keep your skin looking revitalized. Below are some active ingredients to look for in your anti-aging creams that have been clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Read More »
Fordyce Spots, A Mystery Revealed

Fordyce Spots, A Mystery Revealed

Fordyce spots, also called Fordyce granules, are small yellowish-white bumps that appear on the shaft of the penis, labia majora or labia minora, scrotum, around and inside the mouth, and nipples. These spots can grow to up to 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter and will become slightly bigger when sexually aroused. Fordyce spots are not harmful and do not require treatment but they can be an embarrassing problem for some people causing anxiety, stress, or discomfort when in public areas such as the locker room at the gym.

Read More »

Share On:

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

More To Explore

Stress Acne: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Stress. It's a powerful emotion that can wreak havoc on your body. One way that stress can appear is on your skin in the

A Guide to Anti Aging Cream for Men

It is frequently said that men are like fine wine – they get better with age. And while in general, men may seem to

Is Clindamycin Right for You as an Acne Treatment?

Learn more as we discuss clindamycin for acne, how clindamycin works, the different forms of treatment, and whether it is the right form of

Fordyce Spots, A Mystery Revealed

Fordyce spots, also called Fordyce granules, are small yellowish-white bumps that appear on the shaft of the penis, labia majora or labia minora, scrotum,

Clearing Up Butt Acne: Treatment, Prevention and More

Red bumps that appear like acne on the buttocks can occur in both men and women and is a common skin condition. Continue reading

How Much Does Accutane Cost?

As generic forms of the drug entered the market, the cost of the medication has come down, so how much does Accutane cost today?

Your Comparison Guide of Minocycline vs Doxycycline

Minocycline and Doxycycline are both second-generation tetracycline-class antibiotics. They both are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have been proven effective for the treatment of acne, also known as acne vulgaris, but what else is

How to Diagnose and Treat Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a common skin infection that causes red, scaly patches on the chest, back, or neck. You may also see flaky white

10 Best Ways to Help Prevent and Remove Blackheads

Blackheads develop when sebum from oil glands gets trapped in hair follicles or pores. Bacteria build up after time, so removing blackheads is important

What Is Minocycline?

Minocycline is a second-generation antibiotic in the tetracycline class of antibiotics. Second-generation, in this case, means that it is a semi-synthetic compound; first-generation tetracyclines are naturally

What is Accutane?

What is Accutane and can it really be used to treat acne? Read our latest blog for more details!

The Difference Between Tretinoin, Retinol, and Retinoids

Topical treatments like tretinoin, retinol, and retinoids for acne and wrinkles can be a little confusing to understand what each one is and what

What is Melasma and How Do You Treat It?

Melasma, sometimes referred to as chloasma, is a skin disorder characterized by darker spots on the skin. The patches can vary in color

A Comprehensive Guide to Minocycline for Acne

If you suffer from acne, there is a targeted medication for treating acne–minocycline. Minocycline is a prescription drug used to treat infections by preventing

Tretinoin Strengths and How They Work With Acne

Tretinoin is a topical medication that is used for the treatment of acne, also called acne vulgaris, and the most common brand in the

How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots on the skin, can be tricky to get rid of. If you are dealing with this condition, you are not

How to Deal with Blood Blisters

Blood blisters are a medical condition where fluid-filled bubbles grow out of blood vessels in the skin. They form under the skin and can

Geologie Review: Does This Personalized Men’s Skincare Work?

Geologie offers personalized skin care products tailored to each male customer they have. The personal touch is certainly nice, but do their products really

Understanding Melasma Treatments

Melasma is a skin conition that is characterized by hyperpigmented spots on the skin. Melasma is sometimes referred to as chloasma. The spots are most

Everyday Tips for Anti-Aging Skin Care

With so many anti-aging products available on the market, it is overwhelming to find which products actually work and are worth spending money on