Cystic Acne: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Cystic acne is both a dermatological condition and an aesthetic problem. This severe form of acne, in which pustular eruptions no longer appear on the skin’s surface but in its deeper layers, can be visually unpleasant. Thus, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression can arise. Find out why cystic acne appears, how it can manifest, and what prevention or treatment methods we can use to regain our self-confidence.

Cystic Acne: What It Is and How It Appears

Cystic acne is considered the most severe form of acne because the lesions are deep, inflammatory, and painful, potentially leaving permanent scars. It is characterized by cysts and nodules, which require immediate and appropriate medical treatment. The red and inflamed appearance is due to the body’s reaction to bacteria that penetrate pores already blocked by dead cells.

Why Is It Called “Cystic” Acne?

A cyst, from a medical perspective, is like a sac filled with fluid or pus that forms in the skin tissue. It is not cancerous and can occur for various reasons. Whether due to blocked sebaceous glands, an infection, or the presence of a foreign body to which our body reacts. In cystic acne, it forms deep within the skin, manifesting on the surface only as swelling filled with pus.

Acne cysts are accompanied by pain or itching and must be treated with great care. Bursting a cyst leads to the spread of infection, which will cause new eruptions. Therefore, it is very important that acne is addressed as soon as possible from its first manifestation to avoid spreading to other areas of the skin.

Cystic acne can leave permanent scars, and oxidative stress negatively contributes to this phenomenon, further damaging the skin. Free radicals affect the body’s cells, leading to decreased immunity and other health problems. This phenomenon is called oxidative stress, and antioxidants are helpful. For this reason, it is very important to have enough antioxidant-rich foods in our diet.

How Do Antioxidants Help?

Aronia berries are considered superfoods due to their rich antioxidant content and are appreciated worldwide. Therefore, you can integrate Aronia and Aloe Vera Juice 3L ECO into your diet: 100% natural, without additives, added sugar, colorants, or preservatives. It is obtained by cold pressing to preserve all its benefits intact. The combination of aronia and aloe vera offers you a concentrate of minerals and vitamins: over 200 essential nutrients for optimal body function. The recommended daily dose is 150 ml of juice, consumed after the main meal. After a 3-6 month course, you will notice the benefits of this product for your skin!

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In case of cystic acne, the body needs the strength that only a complete supply of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins can provide.

Cystic Acne: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Regarding the causes of cystic acne, they are not yet certain. During adolescence, the number of androgen hormones increases. This fact causes multiple changes in the skin.

Other possible causes of cystic acne have also been identified, namely:

• pregnancy or menopause;
• menstrual period;
• polycystic ovary syndrome;
• certain substances in medications or skin care products;
• high humidity or heavy sweating.

Contrary to some beliefs, eating chocolate (or sugar in general) and spicy or fatty foods will not directly lead to the development of acne.

However, there are certain risk factors: age is the primary factor. Although it is not excluded that acne may also appear in children or the elderly. Another risk factor is heredity: if one of your parents suffers or has suffered from cystic acne, your chances of developing it are higher.

Is Cystic Acne Painful?

The symptoms of cystic acne are, first and foremost, deep, inflamed cysts. These lesions are larger and more painful here than in other types of acne. They create a feeling of “heaviness” in the affected area. Other symptoms include:

• Pain and Tenderness: Acne cysts can be extremely painful and cause discomfort to the touch. Being larger and deeper than other acne lesions, these cysts put pressure on the surrounding nerve endings. This can cause intense and constant pain.
• Redness and Inflammation: Cystic acne lesions are often red due to deep skin inflammation.

The pain associated with cystic acne can sometimes be so severe that it affects a person’s quality of life, even interfering with daily activities. For this reason, a visit to the dermatologist is essential if you are experiencing such symptoms. Only with adequate treatment, along with a healthy diet, will you be able to reduce pain or discomfort and improve your skin’s appearance.

Cystic Acne: Natural or Medicinal Treatment?

In cystic acne, an excellent remedy is a gentle yet effective solution with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Natural treatment can help with mild acne. However, in the case of cystic acne, the treatment must be much more aggressive and may include:

• antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to control bacteria levels and reduce inflammation;
• the use of benzoyl peroxide, effective in eliminating bacteria and reducing inflammation;
• the application of retinoids, in the form of cream, gel, or lotion to cleanse pores, preparing them for medication;
• techniques such as laser light therapy or blue light therapy, which can help reduce inflammation;
• oral contraceptives, for women, to regulate hormone levels;
• also for women, spironolactone can be prescribed. It will reduce excess sebum but is not recommended for men as it can have the side effect of breast enlargement;
• steroid injections directly into the cysts, through specialist medical intervention.

Cystic Acne – Natural Remedies We Can Use

Cystic acne develops from what can be considered simple acne, but which evolves aggressively. To prevent this evolution or to prevent its worsening, there are several home remedies we can use.

• Skin Hygiene. First and foremost, it is important to ensure that our skin is always clean and dry. The use of gentle cleansing lotions, with light massage and rinsing with lukewarm water, is recommended. Exfoliants and scrubs cannot be used by people dealing with acne because the skin is too sensitive. On the other hand, hydration is essential to maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent dehydration and dryness.
• Do not touch or squeeze cysts, pustules, or papules. The risk is to push the infection even deeper into the skin. Let these lesions heal on their own to reduce these risks and prevent the appearance of permanent scars.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and do not go to tanning beds. Your skin needs more protection and gentleness. Instead, use skin care products that contain protective ingredients, such as antioxidants or sunscreen. Their role is to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and sun exposure.
• Certain supplements, such as zinc, folic acid, omega-3, and vitamin A, have been associated with acne improvement. A balanced, complete diet is essential. Also, aronia, sea buckthorn, and aloe vera are three natural ingredients known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can bring numerous benefits to the skin and contribute to improving the condition of cystic acne. Sea buckthorn has anti-inflammatory properties, and aloe vera has soothing properties. Furthermore, aronia berries are rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids.

Aronia Juice

If you want to include a healthy product in your diet that takes care of your entire body, then Aronia and Aloe Vera Juice 3L ECO is the ideal choice. It has a unique and aromatic taste, but also proven benefits for digestion, detoxification, including for hair and skin. Try it to enjoy an incredible dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! These essential nutrients come from the combination of aronia berries and aloe vera plant extract.

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• Avoiding stress. Given the harmful effects of stress, highlighted by specialists countless times, to avoid worsening cystic acne, it is essential to avoid it as much as possible. Stress causes the release of a very large number of hormones, which will worsen acne.

In general, a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, sufficient rest, and regular physical exercise, is the most accessible way to reduce the risk of developing cystic acne or limiting its spread.

Possible Complications of Cystic Acne

Treatment, whether natural or medical, in truly severe cases, must be administered as promptly as possible. If left untreated, cystic acne can also have complications:

• first and foremost, permanent, deep, and unsightly scars that can appear on the skin;
• in addition, acne cysts can be prone to secondary infections, as damaged and inflamed skin provides a favorable environment for bacterial growth;
• last but not least, this condition can have a negative impact on a person’s self-esteem and emotional state, leading to anxiety, depression, or social isolation.

Thus, it is essential that cystic acne is addressed properly, under the supervision of a dermatologist. Adequate treatment will help prevent complications and improve the appearance and health of your skin.

Cystic Acne in Men – More Frequent Than in Women?

Adolescence is the typical period for the onset of acne due to the increase in androgen hormones. This fact makes men more prone to developing cystic acne than women. Androgens are male sex hormones, present in both sexes but more abundant in men. These include testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and androstenedione.

Male sexual characteristics, i.e., facial and body hair, muscle development, and the male reproductive system, are directly influenced by these hormones. They appear in large numbers during adolescence, as the main stage of development. However, due to the exaggerated stimulation of the sebaceous glands, pore blockage is much more frequent. Thus, the risk of developing cystic acne in men also increases.

Of course, cystic acne also occurs among women, most often on the lower part of the face, including the chin, jawline, and neck. However, the most severe forms predominantly occur in men.

These particularities do not directly influence the treatment of cystic acne, which can be similar for both sexes. Instead, it is important that it is adjusted according to individual factors, such as hormonal history, severity, and location of the acne.

In conclusion, cystic acne is a complicated condition with effects on various aspects of life. Although difficult, adequate treatment and proper skin care can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications. In all cases, dermatological consultation is essential for a correct diagnosis. At the same time, it is important for obtaining a personalized treatment plan that will improve your skin’s appearance.

References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/cystic-acne
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/cystic-acne