Mar 11
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Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is also known as nodulocystic acne, This type of acne is severe and develops into small cysts. Acne cysts are not the same as common cysts in the sense that they are not abnormal dilations of the human skin structure, instead they are nodules of inflammation. Although not uncommon, it is rarer than other types of acne.
Like other forms of acne, it is caused by an excess buildup of sebum in the pores and, contrary to popular belief, is not caused by, nor is it affected by, hygiene or the lack thereof. A common acne treatment for cystic acne is Isotretinoin, which cures most acne in about 90% of patients.
Cystic acne can affect the face, chest, back, shoulders and, occasionally, upper arms. Like pimples, which are more common, cysts are usually filled with a white pus-like substance. They are usually several centimeters in diameter, and can be quite painful. Those suffering from cystic acne usually have social problems because of their condition, and it can sometimes lead to clinical depression or withdrawal from normal life.
If cystic acne is not treated early on, especially with antibiotics along with a topical cream, some degree of scarring will occur. This can be quite severe depending on the case. Although many scars can be treated, scars on the body often do not respond as well as those on the face. In most cases, it is unlikely that all scars can be removed. After cysts have mostly healed, macules, or “pseudo scars” may form. Macules are red patches of skin, sometimes raised slightly, where cysts used to be, and may resemble cysts in their appearance. They are sometimes known as “pseudo scars” because they resemble scars, but unlike true ones, macules usually only last up to six months and leave no permanent scar.
