What is the Difference between Nodular Acne and Cystic Acne?

 

Acne can be difficult to cope with and hard to handle, but one form of acne, cystic acne, is the most difficult. Cystic acne has numerous causes: you can get it by genetics, your diet, bad habits, stress, and your lifestyle. Cystic acne feels like large inflamed lumps of fluid under the skin surface that can be painful. Unlike a pimple, it never comes to a head and you will never see it rise to the surface. There are numerous treatments that you can do to resolve cystic acne. With a “zit” or a pimple you can spot treat and it will go away within 24 hrs. Not with cystic acne, you have to go deep within to destroy the bacteria. Cystic acne is very different than papular acne or “zits”.  Papular acne is smaller and easier to clear up as well as less painful. 

Dr. Wright’s Tip

To treat cystic acne, I may write prescriptions for topical Retin-A and oral antibiotics. I may also treat the skin with an injection of steroid to decrease the local inflammation. All are helpful ways to resolve cystic acne. However, you must first find out what triggers the reaction and how to treat it. 1.) Make better choices with what you eat. 2.) Make sure to wash your pillow cases every other day to kill bacteria that can transfer to your skin. 3.) Try to avoid popping or extracting your cystic acne and avoid foods with high sugar content. 4.) Introduce an acne fighting agent into your skin care, like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You can try our Dual BP Scrub Cleanser or our Therapeutic Facial Mask to cleanse deep and destroy the bacteria. Whatever the means, there is help and you are not alone.

Cosmetic Skin Care Specialist Plano, TX