What is Cystic Acne and How Can It Be Treated?
Posted on 04. Jun, 2009 by Valerie in Cosmetic Imperfections
Cystic acne is the most severe and painful form of acne. This condition is characterized by soft, fluid filled lumps beneath the skin that are often painful. This condition is more common in males, particularly teenagers and young men.
The condition is caused by bacteria, overactive oil glands, and excess dead skin within the pores. The cysts are formed when there is a rupture or break in the wall of the pore. As the infection seeps into the skin, a membrane forms around it. The size and pain of the blemish is determined by the depth of the blemish.
Because cystic acne damages skin tissue, it greatly increases the likelihood of developing scars. Many sufferers are embarrassed by the condition. The condition can be treated, though finding the right combination of medicines may take some time. When the condition has disappeared, cosmetic procedures can be done to reduce scarring.
Procedures used to reduce or eliminate acne scars include microdermabrasion, which effectively rubs off the top layers of the skin, exposing the layers beneath. When the skin has healed, the skin is smoother. Chemical acid peels are often commonly used. These use acid to remove top layers of skin. The acid used depends on the depth of the intended peel. Deep scars often require heavy peels, which take longer to recover from and have a higher risk of side effects, but the results can be quite dramatic.
Some patients looking to alleviate scarring from cystic acne have fat cells injected beneath the scars. This will raise the skin to the level of the skin around it. Yet another procedure involves placing small skin grafts, taken from hidden areas of unscarred skin, and placing them in place of the scarred skin. The skin is usually taken from behind the ear.
Cystic acne is relatively common, and though it can be embarrassing, it is not permanent. It is important to understand that the acne is not caused by poor hygiene, and that washing too much to try to alleviate it can damage the skin and make the condition worse. If you have scars caused by cystic acne, it can prove beneficial to speak with a cosmetic surgeon, who can help you understand the many treatments available to alleviate scarring. If you feel your appearance or self esteem are impaired by acne scarring, talk with a doctor to see if you might be a good candidate for scar removal or treatment.
