Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne and can cause a lot of discomfort. It is usually caused by a buildup of sebum and dead cells within the hair follicles. Using prescription medications is often the most effective way to treat it, but you can also try over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes before seeing a dermatologist.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Try an Over-the-Counter Treatment
Step 1. Make cold packs several times a day
Wrap a bag of ice, ice cubes, or a bag of frozen food in a clean towel and leave it on the affected area. You can also use a towel moistened with cold water. The cold helps relieve swelling and pain caused by inflammation. Leave the cold compress on for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it starts to bother you. If it gives you relief, leave it on for longer.
Step 2. Take ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen fight inflammation in the body by reducing the swelling caused by cystic acne. They should be taken by following the instructions on the package leaflet to the letter. Stop using them once you don't need them anymore, as they can damage or irritate your stomach over time.
Step 3. Treat your skin using over-the-counter cleansers and acne creams
In fact, they tend to be more effective for other types of breakouts than for cystic acne, but they may help relieve swelling. Look for products that contain the highest possible concentration of benzoyl peroxide (10%). Ask a dermatologist if it is safe for you to use more cream or cleanser than the recommended doses on the package.
- Benzoyl peroxide allows you to treat acne by eliminating bacteria, removing excess sebum from the skin and promoting healing. It can also help reduce the development of new outbreaks.
- If you have dry skin, start by using a product containing a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5%).
- Some benzoyl peroxide treatment lines feature three products: cleanser, localized treatment, and moisturizer, which may also contain salicylic acid.
Method 2 of 4: Change Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Relax, sleep well and exercise to combat stress
The outbreaks associated with cystic acne can sometimes be triggered or exacerbated by stress. Try to set aside more time to rest and relax. See if changing your lifestyle helps relieve swelling. Playing sports regularly and getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night is just as important for reducing stress.
At the end of a workout, you should always take a shower to remove sweat, sebum and dirt from the skin, as they can contribute to the appearance of breakouts
Step 2. Reduce your intake of sugar, dairy, and other inflammatory foods
Consuming large amounts of these foods can sometimes clog pores or inflame the skin even more. Try excluding refined sugars, white bread, cereals, and milk for a week. See if the situation improves. Sometimes just reducing the consumption of the offending foods is enough to lessen the severity of acne, especially if you have ingested more than usual in the last period.
Step 3. Try eating foods that help fight inflammation
To reduce the irritation caused by cystic acne, it is good to follow a diet rich in foods that are good for the skin. In addition to limiting your consumption of refined sugars, simple carbohydrates, and dairy products, you may be able to mitigate inflammation by integrating the following foods into your diet:
- Fruits and vegetables;
- Healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, canola oil, nuts, and fish
- Anti-inflammatory spices, such as turmeric, black pepper, garlic, cinnamon and ginger.
Step 4. Drink plenty of water to prevent your skin from drying out
Dry skin can make acne worse and sometimes cause new rashes to form. Drinking lots of water is the best way to have a healthy and hydrated skin. If acne is accompanied by an infection, maintaining proper hydration helps the body fight it.
How much water to drink? This depends on the climate of the place where you live and your lifestyle. Doctors usually recommend about eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Some people need more, others less
Method 3 of 4: Taking Prescription Medicines
Step 1. See a dermatologist if over-the-counter treatments don't work
Before making an appointment, try using over-the-counter medications for about a week. However, if acne is particularly painful or accompanied by infections (or affects an area near the eyes), see a dermatologist immediately, who can prescribe specific medicines for cystic acne.
Your dermatologist will ask you questions about past acne episodes and other treatments you have tried
Step 2. Take antibiotics to fight bacteria and inflammation
Cystic acne can be caused by a buildup of bacteria in the hair follicles. Antibiotics eradicate the cause of acne, reducing swelling and inflammation. Take the antibiotics following the dosage instructions and duration of treatment indicated to the letter.
- Overuse or long-term use can cause antibiotic-resistant acne to develop. You risk getting to the point where the treatment will cease to have the same effectiveness as it originally was. To optimize your antibiotic intake, take them only in the most acute episodes of acne.
- You can also increase the effectiveness of antibiotics by using them in combination with benzoyl peroxide treatments and retinoid creams.
Step 3. Free hair follicles with retinoid creams, gels and lotions
In general, retinoids should be applied in the evening. At the beginning of the treatment they should only be used three times a week. After a few weeks the skin will get used to the active ingredients and the application may become more frequent.
Step 4. Use salicylic or azelaic acid to fight bacteria and free follicles
Just as has been recommended in the case of retinoids, acid-based creams and lotions should be applied directly to the affected areas. Run the application twice a day.
Step 5. If the breakouts are hormonal in nature, consider the contraceptive pill
For the treatment to be successful, the pill must be taken at the same time every day. It is possible that in the first months of treatment you will not see so many differences. This option can be effective for long-term beautiful and healthy skin, but see a dermatologist if you are looking for an immediate solution.
If acne is hormonal, women may also consider using antiandrogen agents
Step 6. Take isotretinoin in case other medicines have no effect
Isotretinoin is an extremely strong and effective oral anti-acne drug. However, it has side effects including depression and severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Since it can have quite dangerous adverse effects, dermatologists tend not to prescribe it initially. If prescribed, your doctor will ask you to undergo regular tests to constantly monitor your health.
Avoid isotretinoin if you are pregnant, suspect you are pregnant, or are trying to conceive a baby
Method 4 of 4: Treating Cystic Acne with Natural Remedies
Step 1. Treat acne locally with tea tree oil
Having anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil can be effective in relieving the symptoms of cystic acne. Pour two or three drops of the oil on your finger and gently pat the pimples you want to treat once or twice a day. Leave the area you treated uncovered.
Step 2. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the acne affected areas
Baking soda has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, plus it can help clear pores. Let the paste sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash it off with warm water.
To increase the anti-inflammatory properties of this treatment, add Epsom salts to the mixture
Step 3. Apply honey, which has antioxidant properties
Pour a few drops of honey on your fingertips and massage it directly on the area affected by the acne. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water and a clean sponge. Honey fights free radicals in the epidermis and absorbs excess sebum.
Step 4. Take a multivitamin every day
Vitamin C helps the body fight infections caused by cystic acne. Zinc and vitamin A are also effective for keeping skin healthy and reducing inflammation. Almost all multivitamins contain these active ingredients, but also other vitamins that are good for the skin.
