Every women longs for a clear skin and even the idea of cystic acne scars can bring immense discomfort. Cystic acne is not just a pimple or a skin rash, but a more serious condition. All our makeup and concealing efforts can not hide the cystic acne. These are large and painful breakouts on the facial skin. Anyone can develop cystic acne and hormonal imbalances are the root cause of them
What is cystic acne? :
Cystic acne are inflammatory acne which involves more white blood cells rushing to the area. As there are more enzymes in the affected area it causes more destruction. The skin then tries to heal itself which results in cystic acne scars. Cystic acne is a severe kind of acne in which pores of the skin become blocked.
Cystic acne can be extremely annoying, and it can develop in anyone from age 8 to 60 years. Though more common in teenagers around the puberty but it affects all ages. During puberty androgen spurts heavily which causes excess oil production in our body. This excess oil when clogs the pores of our skin, the bacteria thrive in it and produce cystic acne.
Cystic Acne also occurs in adults during hormonal imbalances of menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause etc. Cystic acne is hard to treat. But a few lifestyle changes can help in controlling and further reducing them.
Cystic Acne Causes and Myths:
Cystic acne is also known as nodulocystic acne and its hard to cure. It mainly affects the face but also spreads to other parts like upper trunk and upper arms too. Acne is more common but cystic acne is uncommon.
Cystic acne is not caused by oily, greasy or chocolate foods, nor by poor hygiene. Hormonal changes are its prominent causes. Cystic acne is most inflamed and ruptured type of acne. Some of the main causes of cystic acne are:
- Hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause and birth control therapies
- High levels of humidity and sweating profusely
- Greasy cosmetics like cleansers, lotions and clothing
- Genetics makes people with some genes more susceptible to cystic acne
- Harmful chemical based drugs which have corticosteroids, lithium, phenytoin, isoniazid may worsen these conditions
Some myths about cystic acne:
They are not caused by chocolate, nuts, greasy foods, dairy products, poor hygiene, inadequate face washing or sex.
Home remedies of cystic acne treatment :
Some of the home remedies for cystic acne will help in reducing the pain and discomfort from it. They may also help to reduce them in a few weeks of application:
1- Baking Soda:
Baking soda is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It is also a good antiseptic. Baking soda helps in pulling out the excess oil, dead skin and impurities from the skin pores by natural exfoliation. Baking soda also fights with infection causing bacteria. Thus tightening the skin and making the skin smooth and radiant.
Procedure:
- Wash your face clean using mild soap and warm water to open up the pores
- Mix two table spoons of baking soda to water and make a smooth paste
- Apply the paste over the affected area and leave it for 20 minutes
- Then wash with lukewarm water
- Now dry the skin well and apply some moisturizer
- Repeat twice a day until the infection clears
- You may also add cucumber juice for sensitive skin or itchy sensations when using baking soda
2- Apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar os a magic potion for skin and health ailments. ACV contains astringent, antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also maintains the pH level of the skin. The malic acid in ACV helps in exfoliating the skin
Procedure:
- Clean your skin and pat it dry
- Mix ACV and water in 1:4 ratio
- Now using a cotton ball apply over the affected site
- Leave it for overnight and wash it clean the following morning
- Repeat once a day until the infection clears
3- Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil has amazing anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties which help in treating cystic acne. It also penetrates deeply in the skin and unclogs the oil secreting glands, dries out blemishes and disinfect pores too.
Procedure:
- Wash your face clean and dry it well
- Add few drops on tea tree oil on a cotton ball and apply gently over the infected area
- Gently rub and dab it for 15 minutes
- Leave it for overnight and wash it clear the following morning
- Repeat once a day until the infection clears
4- Honey treatment for cystic acne:
Honey is a naturally occurring soothing agent and a great humectant. It moisturizes and cleanses the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of honey soothe the swelling and help in relaxing too
Procedure:
- Wash your face clean and dry well
- Now take a few drops of honey in your fingertips and gently apply on the site if infection.
- Rub and dab for 15 minutes and leave for an hour
- Then wash it clean
- Repeat thrice a day until the infection clears
5- Aloe vera gel:
Aloe vera is a natural astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial gel. It helps in soothing the itchy and painful site and also its antiseptic properties help in healing
Procedure:
- Wash you face clean and dry it well
- Now take some fresh aloe vera gel and apply on your infection site on face
- Leave for overnight
- Wash it away the next morning
- Repeat once a day until the infection clears
6- Coconut oil:
Coconut oil is a magical solution which has ample benefits for skin, hair and health. It contains lauric and caprylic acid. Both of which contain anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Vitamin E present in coconut oil helps in removing free radicles which control the cystic acne
Procedure:
- Apply steam to open the facial pores
- Now dry the skin and immediately apply few drops of coconut oil at the infected area
- Gently rub and massage the area
- Keep it for overnight
- Wash it the next morning
- Apply once a day until the infection clears
7- Cinnamon mask with honey:
Cinnamon has amazing exfoliating properties and also it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ingredients.
Procedure:
- Make a powder of cinnamon
- Add honey and make a paste, you may also add rose water for soothing effects
- Now apply this mask on your face
- Leave for 15 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
- Repeat twice a day for amazing results
8- Egg white treatment:
Eggs contain albumin, lysozyme and are rich source of proteins. Albumin has anti-viral properties and lysozyme destroys the cell walls of bacteria. This also tightens the skin pores and deep cleanses the skin too. This also removes excess oils from skin surface
Procedure:
- Separate egg whites and whisk them to form a frothed paste
- Wash and dry your face
- Now using fingertips apply on the infected areas
- Leave for 10 minutes
- Wash with lukewarm water
- Repeat twice a day
9- Milk, honey and egg treatment:
Milk acts as a natural moisturizer along with honey. When all three combine they act as a protective shield for skin
Procedure:
- Mix eggs and milk and beat them to blend well
- Now add honey to it and blend it further
- Use a cotton ball and apply all over the infected area
- Leave for half an hour
- Now wash it away with lukewarm water
- Repeat twice a day for amazing results
10- Turmeric treatment:
Curcumin in turmeric is oozing with anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains antiseptic, anti-oxidizing, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Turmeric is an anti-tumor agent with astringent properties too
Procedure:
- Add two teaspoons of turmeric powder to water or coconut oil and make a paste
- Wash and dry your face
- Apply all over the face and specially at the infection site
- Leave for 15 minutes
- Now wash with lukewarm water
- Repeat twice a day until infection clears off
11- Lavender oil:
Lavender oil is an amazing essential oil with anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces both pain and inflammation. It also absorbs excess oil and promotes healing and prevents scarring
Procedure:
- Wash you face and dry it well
- Use a cotton ball to apply lavender oil at the infected site
- Repeat twice a day
- Keep it for an hour and wash it clean
12- Green tea:
Green tea helps in detoxification and cleansing of our body. This helps in quicker healing. Green tea also contains anti-oxidants and catechins which reduce inflammation and redness.
Procedure:
- Brew half cup green tea and strain it
- Add half cup water to dilute
- Use a cotton ball and rub the affected area
- Leave for 15 minutes and rinse off with water
- Repeat twice a day until the infection clears
13- Potatoes:
Potatoes help in removing excess oils from skin and their anti-inflammatory properties helps in reducing swelling and redness.
Procedure:
- Grate some potatoes
- Now apply them directly at the affected site
- Leave for 15 minutes
- Now rinse off with lukewarm water
- Repeat twice a day until the infection clears
14- Lemon juice:
Lemon is a richly packed fruit with vitamin C. The citric acid in lemon juice has antiseptic, healing, astringent, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties. Acids in lemon juice help in removing dead skin and reducing inflammation and redness
Procedure:
- Clean your face and dry it
- Apply lemon juice to the affected area using a cotton ball
- Leave for 10 minutes and rinse off
- Repeat once a day until the infection clears
15- Ice treatment:
The coolness of ice reduces the swelling, shrinks the pores and removes the dirt and excess oil. This method mainly works best for single cysts but doesn’t work for a cluster of cystic acne
Procedure:
- Take a few ice cubes
- Gently rub the ice in circular motions to help in healing.
- Continue doing it until the ice melts down
- Repeat thrice a day
16- Toothpaste
Toothpaste contains fluoride and alcohol. They dry out the acne pores and fight off the bacteria.
Procedure:
- Using your finger, apply a small amount of toothpaste at the infection site.
- Leave it for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water
- Repeat twice a day
17- Mango
Mango helps to open the open the clogged pores and leaving the skin soft and glowing
Procedure:
- Extract juice from a mango and mix water into it.
- Apply the paste on the affected area.
- Leave for 3 – 5 minutes
- Rinse off with water.
- Repeat thrice a day
18- Mint treatment:
Mint contains anti-bacterial and soothing properties which help to treat and prevent cystic acne.
Procedure:
- Take few mint leaves and crush them
- Cleanse the affected area and pat dry.
- Apply the crushed mint leaves on the affected area.
- Leave for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process twice a day
19- Homemade facial Mask:
Cystic acne can also be caused due to pH imbalance. The homemade facial mask helps to solve this problem. Lemon juice acts as astringent, skin repairer and skin lightener. Apple cider vinegar balances the pH level. Turmeric reduces the inflammation, redness, and pain.
Procedure:
- Combine equal amounts of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.
- Add turmeric powder and mix well.
- Apply this paste on the acne.
- Leave it on for few minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat once a day
20- Aspirin Mask:
Aspirin has amazing exfoliating properties which unclogs the pores. This helps in treating and preventing cystic acne
Procedure:
- Crush 2 aspirin tablets
- Add water to make a thin paste
- Apply it on the affected area using fingertips
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water
- Repeat once a day until infection clears
Read: How to get rid of acne blemishes
Drug treatment of cystic acne:
- Isotretenoin is a prescription drug for the treatment of cystic acne. It is a very effective treatment. It has severe side effects and specially while pregnant it may cause birth defects.
- Steroid infections: Steroid injection consists of corticosteroid which are injected directly into the cysts which helps in reducing inflammations and prevent scarring.
- Birth pills are a long term treatment as they prevent excess oil secretion or sebum formation.A drug called spironolactone may also be prescribed with birth control pills which is a synthetic steroid which controls androgens.
- Benozyl peroxide:
This is for people with severe acne pains. It is available over the counter and kills bacteria causing infections. Many lotions, creams and other are available with benozyl peroxide which help in cure. There are a few side effects too
Prevention of cystic acne:
Avoid dairy based foods, caffeine, chocolates, sugary foods, processed foods, oily and junk foods, Fried foods and other which cause oily secretions on skin. Consume more of fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, Yogurt, Vitamin rich foods, Fiber, protein rich foods.
Precautions for preventing spread of cystic acne:
- Drink plenty of water and sugar free fluids
- Do not cut or scratch the acne and cause popping
- Maintain good skin care and hygiene
- Do not use cosmetic products which are harsh and cause more harm
- Relax and exercise well
- Keep the surroundings clean
- Do not let your body sweat to much
The above compilation on What is cystic acne and how to treat it at home is to help you get rid of cystic acne and its discomforting presence on your face. The points are suggestive and are not given by medical representatives, so before opting check with your dermatologist for more. Do a patch test and only then proceed further.
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Minu Manisha
