How to Heal an Acne Cyst

When considering the severity of acne, there is nothing worse than occasional, consistent or chronic development of acne cysts. In the medical community, acne of this variety is referred to as nodulocystic acne. It is also commonly referred to as cystic or nodular acne by those who suffer from it. While mild to moderate acne of the whitehead and blackhead variety is something that can be managed, acne cysts are not something to simply wait out or ignore. This type of acne is associated with severe acne scarring and skin damage and is not something to be taken lightly.

The Development of Acne Cysts

Acne cysts are often thought to be a problem separate from ordinary acne, yet aside from one slight variable, they form exactly the same as whiteheads and blackheads. The formation of all acne is as simple as the joining of three components: Dead skin cells, bacteria and sebum. When these three naturally occurring entities combine to form a clog in a follicle, an infection can develop causing an acne inflammation. If the infection buries itself deeper into the follicle and into the skin’s inner layer, the dermis, an acne cyst will form.

The danger of acne cysts generally lie in the way they are mistreated. Many people will try and “deal” with cystic acne by squeezing, poking, prodding—this will only serve to make an acne cyst worst. In fact, trying to deal with an acne cyst in this manner can lead to a worsening of the actual infection, damaging the skin to an extent that may result in scarring.

Healing an Acne Cyst

Healing an acne cyst will take a little bit of patience. The infection is deep below the surface, so a combined effort of healing from the inside as well as the outside is the most effective manner of treating an acne cyst and healing it as quickly as possible.

If you have acne cysts that develop frequently, it is a good idea to consult with a dermatologist. A skincare professional will be able to help identify variables that are causing the outbreaks, while also being able to prescribe any oral treatments that they deem as necessary to protect the overall health of the skin.

For an occasional acne cyst, there are a few great treatment methods that will help to minimize the life of the cyst. For starters, drinking more water, and increasing the intake of foods that are high in antioxidants will aid in the fight against infection, offering strength to the immune system. In the external fight against acne cysts, a consistent skin care regimen will help to reduce the size and severity of a cyst, while treating and preventing all forms of acne.

Treating an Acne Cyst

A quality acne cleanser will be the first step in treating cystic acne. A cleanser with gentle exfoliants will aid in the shedding of skin, while the addition of benzoyl peroxide will penetrate the pores, killing the bacteria that is responsible for causing acne inflammations.

Following a cleanser with a quality astringent or skin toner will help to constrict the pores and protect them from intrusion. Completing a regimen with the use of a benzoyl peroxide acne cream will help to prevent additional acne while working to reduce the appearance and severity of an acne cyst.

It is worth knowing: No “spot treatment” or topical aid is going to cure acne cysts. The key to healing them is with patience and persistence.