Say Bye to Cystic Acne With These Tips

Waking up with a pimple might seem like one of the worst things ever. And if you are prone to cystic acne, it also may be one of the most painful things ever! However, getting rid of cystic acne is not as simple as popping a whitehead or putting on a pimple patch. Let’s look at what exactly cystic acne is and all the ways to treat the irritating bumps.

Cystic acne is a more severe form of acne. It is characterized by its depth underneath the skin’s surface and the accompanying pulsating pain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, cystic acne occurs when bacteria, in addition to the typical dead skin and oil, gets into the pores, which causes swelling or inflammation. They more closely resemble boils and typically do not have whiteheads. The most defining factor is that they are painful to touch and throb. Hormones, lifestyle habits, diet, and genetics can increase your likelihood of getting cystic acne.

The best piece of advice is don’t try to pop cystic acne! It will only irritate the skin more. Plus, the cystic acne runs so deep it won’t even help. Icing the pimple can help bring down the swelling and inflammation. You should wrap an ice cube in something like a napkin or a paper towel and hold it against the pimple for 1-2 minutes, then give your skin 30-minute breaks in between each session. If putting on a product is more up your alley, a mixture of benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone cream can help treat the zit. Apply the benzoyl peroxide first, then let it dry, and afterward follow up with a layer of the hydrocortisone cream. Do this once a day for a week. Lastly, as Sheila Farhang, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, explained, there is always the option of going to the dermatologist for a cortisone injection or antibiotic.

We know - having acne can be a painful journey. A lot of the time, it isn’t even your fault! The best steps to take are often preventative, like using a gentle cleanser in your daily skin routine. If the problems never seem to go away or your acne worsens, you may want to consult your dermatologist. The battle against acne might seem never-ending, but we're all in this together! Stay tuned for more top tips.