Cystic Acne

Solutions for Severe Cystic Acne Sufferers

Cystic Acne -- An Introduction

Cystic acne or nodular acne is a severe and disfiguring skin disease characterized by large, inflamed cystic lesions on a patient's face and back. There are many types of acne. Non-inflamatory acne is the most common and mild form of acne. Mild or non-inflamatory acne often takes the form of small whiteheads and blackheads. If acne becomes inflamed and there is swelling, then acne has progressed beyond the mild stage. At that point, acne can be characterized as moderate if the swelling is not too severe or if the acne consists of large, deep pimples or nodules, it can be characterized as severe cystic acne.


Cystic acne affects deeper skin tissue than does common acne, which is often only present at or near the surface of the skin. Acne is generally caused by a buildup of dead skin cells in skin pores, that mix with oil (sebum) and block pores. The pore then can become infected, produce inflamation and redness. There is little evidence what causes Acne. Genetics appears to play a large role. Further, men generally tend to get more severe acne than women.

 

One of the most serious problems with severe cystic acne is the scars left behind after the acne goes into remission (either as a result of acne running its course with age or through courses of Accutane which force cystic acne into permanent remission). Because Cystic Acne impacts deeper skin tissue, it can have the effect of permanently damaging the skin tissue, leading to scarring. Severe cystic acne can also have severe psychological consequences that should not be overlooked, particularly when a person is at the adolescent stage of life.

 

Fortunately, even for severe cystic acne sufferers, there are treatment options that can treat cystic acne and drive it into remission. Generally, prescription only topical solutions and antibiotics form the first mode of treatment. If that proves ineffective, then a patient may be prescribed Isotretinoin (trade name Accutane). Accutane is the only known treatment for severe cystic acne that has a very high success rate and in many cases will cause a complete remission of cystic acne. Although about 50-60% of patients suffer a relapse after remission, in many cases, the acne relapse is much less severe. In other cases where the relapse is more substantial, a second or third course of Accutane may be used. Read more about prescription Accutane treatment here.


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