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Acne is usually divided into mild and severe acne. Blackheads, whiteheads and pustules are some of the mild types of acne, these are also the most common type of acne. For severe acne there are also a few different types, cystic acne is the one that we are going to take a closer look at in this article.

Because of its severity, cystic acne is the worst form of acne. It is more serious and damaging compared to other forms of acne such as pimples or whiteheads. One of the main characteristics of this type of acne is a deep infection in the tissue that can form nodules. It is also known as acne vulgaris. Acne cysts or acne nodules, are formed when sebum cannot properly outflow to the surface of the skin and causes lesions to the cells lining the walls of the sebum canals. The inflammation of the area is a defense mechanism developed by the body to attack infections. An acne cyst is the consequence of an extreme reaction of the body towards a severe infection.

This type of reaction causes the body to release sebum. Excess amounts of this turn into a rich feeding ground for bacteria that lives inside the skin follicles or on the surface of the skin. The condition produced by the overflow of sebum can lead to the formation of pimples as large as five millimeters.

Understanding Cystic Acne

Retention keratosis is a condition that can worsen facial cysts. This happens when the skin cells, particularly those lining the hair follicle are shed improperly. Improper disposal of cells leads to the clogging of these follicles. The infection can then spill onto other follicles which increase the inflammation and causes acne cysts to spread.

Another factor that may contribute to nodulocystic acne is hormones. Testosterone and androgen hormones can help to increase sebum levels. If the sebum ducts are not clear for the outflow to reach the surface of the skin swiftly, they become clogged and cysts are formed. Other factors such as genetic background and lifestyle of a person can determine the severity of the acne. The same is true of stress; it increases acne-related problems.

Acne cysts take a lot of time to heal since the infection is deep seated however there are acne treatments for cysts. Accutane is medication that many doctors recommend for severe cases. Its function is to shrink the oil glands which will lower the acne infections. The success rate of Accutane is as high as 80% on the other hand; severe side effects like depression have been seen in some patients. This treatment should be considered the last option due to the important risks involved.

Another treatment available is a cortisone injection which can be administered by a dermatologist. This method gives excellent results since it reduces the inflammation and redness of the skin without any pain for the patient. After the injection is administrated the pimple is lowered to the skin level making it less noticeable. It is possible that after undergoing this procedure the skin may show temporary discoloration and bleeding over the area treated.

It is complicated to cure cystic acne however there are treatments for it. Due to the complexity of cystic acne, acne skin care products that don't produce irritation or harm on the skin are recommended. Natural acne products are available that treat cystic acne as well as improve the skin in general.