There are a large percentage of OTC (over the counter) treatments as well a medical natural homeopathic and cosmetic. The treatments will depend on the severity of the problem, and the progression of the problem. Like any acne problems it is important to get to the root of the problem early before the condition causes prolonged deep scarring and infection.


Cystic is probably the most severe form of acne as this form of acne is long lasting and infectious as well as deeply scarring if popped picked or squeezed. The surface of the skin is usually covered generally on the face neck or back. Cystic acne is simply acne that develops into cysts so if there are no cysts than you don’t have cystic acne. Cystic are soft puss filled bumps under the skin that are sore and painful with a stinging sensation similar to that of sun burn or cigarette burns.



Who is more prone to developing cystic acne?

Cystic acne is different to nodular acne as nodular cystic acne is hard lumps under the skin epidermis as opposed to soft painful lumps. The jury is out on whether cystic acne is another form of cystic acne or rather nodular lumps that become inflamed. Cystic acne is a condition that can affect anyone at any stage in their lives. It is however more common in teenage boys because of high levels of the androgen hormones and the fluctuating levels. Cystic acne is said to be hereditary and hormonally exacerbated. Hormonal factors affect cystic acne so women in menopause menstruation and at pregnancy are prone.



Symptoms of cystic acne.

The common factors in diagnosing cystic acne are the presence of excess sebum because of the over secretion of the sebaceous glands in conjunction with dead skin cells which become trapped in the hair follicle and cause a bacterial build up under the deep layers of the skin. Because the cystic puss or bacteria cannot disperse itself the infection tries to expel itself through the pores of the skin. The body will always try to get rid of foreign matter and infections or bacteria through whatever process necessary through the various excretion ports of the body the nose the ears the anus the skin.


The skin is the largest organ in the body and in the same way the body excretes matter from various body parts the skin will try to get rid of infection through the hair follicle. When a bacteria has built up to a point where it has no where to go the hair follicle will rupture leaking the bacterial fluid through the pores onto the skin. The deeper the infection the more serious the rupture and the more likely the opportunity for scarring. It is important not to squeeze cystic acne as this only damages the skin and forces the infection further into the deeper layers of the skin.


Nodular acne is more likely to leave permanent scarring on the skin as the infection is far deeper usually. Diagnosing you particular kind of acne problem is very important as cystic acne is sometimes confused with nodular acne. Treatment that is effective is very important to improve the likelihood of reoccurring acne that is nodular. The earlier the treatment the better so it is important to get specialist treatment form a trained skin specialist or dermatologist who is expertly trained in skin conditions ant treatments.


Inflamed acne is an emotional as well as a physical problem as the visual disfiguration from severs acne can be very physically disturbing and cause feelings of inadequacy and sometimes cause the sufferer to be a socially leper and shy away from people and places that might cause embarrassment. The society we live in is much revolved around the perception of physical beauty as opposed to the inner beauty. In a society where you are judged on the way you look, what you wear and how much you weigh it can be difficult for impressionable teenagers to venture out to get the proper treatment for their severe acne problems.



What are the common links or triggers for cystic acne?

Cystic or nodular acne can affect various body parts like the back lower limbs and buttocks also. There is a link between immune deficient as well as parasitic infection through poor diet inadequate vitamin and mineral production as well as emotional factors. Hormone fluctuation at times of stress or menstruation, pregnancy or menopause can be linked to cystic or nodular acne. Levels of male and female
hormones can affect the severity of cystic acne.


The trigger factors are poor diet in terms of essential vitamin or mineral production through a balanced diet or through supplements. Vitamins B, C, D, A and essential minerals like copper zinc magnesium calcium as well as essential fish oils like omega 3 fish oils. All of the above vitamins and essential minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system the proper functioning of the liver skin and the detoxifying and flushing out of toxins from the body.



What is the underlying cause of cystic acne?

Cystic acne is often related to hormonal environmental dietary and emotional factors. At times of great stress like during exams the body can be under high levels of stress and this combined with a poor dies or a diet rich in high fact high sugar foods can add to the problems of cystic acne. Dairy products like milk and eggs can be directly attributed to cystic acne simply because iron absorbs ion is inhibited be large percentages of calcium in the body so it is important not to over eat high calcium foods or take calcium supplements that will r3educe iron absorption.


Anaemia related skin problems are very common as most women especially don’t know they are below levels of iron for proper bodily function of the skin and immune system. 1 in 4 women have low levels of iron and haemoglobin as well as ferritin level necessary for the proper function of the skin and the ability of the body to fight infection cystic or otherwise. Blood circulation digestion immunity the ability to fight infection and 5the proper functioning of the skin hair and nails are attributed to Iron. Iron is an essential nutrient for transporting oxygen through the blood.



Nutrient deficiency...

Symptoms of Iron deficient are reoccurring infections boils, heavy periods and pain, restless leg syndrome, ulcers, cancers a weakened immune system and susceptibility to infection of all sorts, poly pops fibroids, digestive problems, shortness of breath heart palpitations, cystic acne, boils and abscesses staphylococcus skin infections, and pilonidal or (cystic abscesses on the buttocks), pins and needles migraines fatigue, sleep apnoea dizziness cold extremities like the hands and feet.


Iron supplements will need to be recommended by a physician for those who are proven to have a deficiency for a period of 3 to 6 months for acute deficiency. Iron supplements can cause nausea and constipation as well as a darkening of stools. Rich sources of Iron are red meat leaft green vegetables, fish chicken oysters cereals as well as poultry. Iron inhibiters are tea, fizzy drinks, beer and ice cream. Their are many manifestations of vitamin, mineral and nutrient deficiency so it is important to age a proper blood test for the specific contributor.



Treatment for cystic acne.

1. A proper cleansing routine with medicated products like Benzyol Peroxide and Salicylic Acid

2. Non (comedegenic) or non pore clogging moisturizers and makeup.

3. Antibiotics topical treatments and OTC products.

4. Hormone therapy that act as androgen blockers as well as natural products.

5. LED light therapy that helps to shrink the oily glands and reduce pore sizes.

6. Isotretinion which acts as a vitamin A derivative that limits oil secretion thus limiting the development of cystic or nodular acne. Serious side effects include hair loss irritated skin liver problems and birth defects.

7. Drainage of cysts by a skin specialist.

8. Microdermabrasion a buffing of the skin surface to replace the dead skin to reveal cleaner clearer more toned skin.

9. Vitamins minerals and nutrients

10. Gentle exercise and plenty of sleep.


Finding the right solution for your cystic acne is a long process and it will take some time to get the right diagnosis treatment and corrective products for subsequent scarring. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins minerals and nutrients as well as topical treatments and antibiotics in conjunction with natural and herbal remedies are all solutions. It is important to find trigger factors in hormonal levels diet and emotional factors to get to the root of the problem keep a diary and don’t be afraid to ask questions of a skin specialist or dermatologist.


You are the best person to determine the way your skin should be and the factors that affect it. Cystic acne didn’t develop over night and it won’t disappear over night. Do some research and don’t self diagnosis as this could make the problem worse. The internet is effective at finding the best products and skin experts available