Do you suffer from painful blemishes that lie deep under the skin? Red, painful sores in the skin are typical of cystic acne. In contrast to regular pimples, these blemishes often have no exit to the skin surface. Expressing it only worsens the inflammation. What Causes Cystic Acne And What Can You Do About It? Here you can find answers to these questions.
WHAT IS CYSTIC ACNE EXACTLY?
A cyst arises like an acne pimple from the sebum glands of the skin. Cysts usually form on the hair roots and use the hair canal to deliver a secretion to the surface. This sebum is responsible for protecting the skin. In all forms of acne, the sebum glands become blocked. The pent-up sebum becomes inflamed and blemishes. However, often the cystic acne comes on in flares. Large areas are affected by skin reddening. Cystic acne gets its name from the fact that the inflammation leads to the formation of cysts. The word cyst comes from the Greek expression 'kystis,' which can be translated as a bubble. In contrast to a regular pimple, a cyst forms a kind of sac of skin cells that surrounds it. The cyst is usually buried under the skin. You don't see a typical pimple with a yellow or white point of pus, but red, painful bumps and lumps. Squeezing or suctioning like a regular pimple will only make the inflammation worse. Cystic acne mostly affects the face and affects the shoulders, upper arms, back, and chest.
CYSTIC ACNE OFTEN LEAVES SCARS
It is one of the more severe forms of acne because the cysts often leave scars. Unusually pronounced types of acne are also called acne conglomerate. Pustular acne can appear like cystic acne when papules form deep in the tissue. However, inflamed blackheads on the surface of the skin are more common in this form of acne. If you suffer from cystic acne, you should consult a dermatologist. Do you suffer enormously from painful cysts? You are not alone in this. Acne is a cosmetic problem, but it is also often a psychological burden for those affected. This disease can make social contacts difficult, reduce self-esteem, and lead to depression. If cystic acne is making life difficult for you, speak to your doctor for professional help. Psychotherapy can help you cope better with the stress of cystic acne.
THE CAUSES OF CYSTIC ACNE
Numerous factors play together in the development of cystic acne. The male hormone testosterone appears to play an important role. Men suffer from this type of acne a little more often than women. However, a large-scale study published in 2018 recently showed that genetic predisposition should not be underestimated. British scientists examined a total of almost 27,000 cases and concluded that at least 15 genes could enormously increase the risk of acne.
RISK FACTOR NUMBER 1: HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS
Many dermatologists believe that hormone fluctuations are the leading cause of cystic acne. This is supported by the fact that cystic acne usually occurs during puberty. However, hormonal changes during and after pregnancy can also lead to severe forms of acne. Hormone fluctuations during the normal menstrual cycle, often associated with blemishes, are also an essential factor. That doesn't subside with puberty. Late acne after the age of 25 is widespread today. Experts in the US have found that acne has not been adequately recognized in adult women. It is unclear what the situation in Europe looks like. However, cystic acne does not only affect young people in this country.
DIET: CAUSE OR THERAPY?
How much diet affects cystic acne is uncertain. However, high glycemic index foods seem to increase blemishes. The glycemic index shows how much food affects the blood sugar level. The glycemic index of sugar, white flour products, starch, and white rice is particularly high. To regulate blood sugar levels, the body releases insulin. Over time, more and more insulin is required, and insulin resistance develops. Such not only increases the risk of diabetes. Insulin also increases sebum production. According to an Australian study, a low glycemic index diet improves the appearance of acne. Omega-3 fatty acids also seem to have a beneficial effect.
ANTIOXIDANTS HELP REDUCE INFLAMMATION
Aside from scientific findings: It seems logical that a diet high in sugar and junk food does nothing for your skin. On the contrary: an unhealthy diet increases oxidative stress due to a lack of nutrients. If you suffer from cystic acne, your body is already struggling to a greater extent with oxidative stress. The reason: every inflammation leads to the release of free radicals. These are molecules and atoms that lack an electron in their outer shell. They grab this electron wherever they can find it. Antioxidants render free radicals harmless. In addition to vitamins A and E, minerals such as selenium and zinc, as well as many secondary plant substances such as antioxidants, help reduce acne. In any case, you should eat as healthily as possible if you have problems with cystic acne. Antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods cannot compensate for hormone fluctuations and genetic predisposition. But they can help your body cope better with inflammation.
TREATMENT OF CYSTIC ACNE
No home remedies work for cystic acne because the inflammation is buried under the surface of the skin. Even peeling agents cannot do anything against this form of acne. With cystic acne, a visit to the dermatologist is recommended. He can determine the appearance and severity and adjust the acne treatment accordingly.
ACNE TREATMENT WITH ANTIBIOTICS
For severe acne, doctors often prescribe antibiotics for acne as well. These work against the bacteria that cause inflammation. However, medicines have a significant influence on the intestinal flora and the natural colonization of the skin with bacteria. Such weakens the skin's natural protective layer. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, you should, therefore, pay particular attention to your intestinal flora. Fermented foods like yogurt help repopulate your digestive system with beneficial bacteria. Acne creams with antibiotics often contain anti-inflammatory substances as well. However, treatment usually lasts for several weeks before improvement occurs. Burning and reddening of the skin are among the side effects. Besides, bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics.
SKINCARE FOR CYSTIC ACNE
You should take care of your skin gently if you suffer from cystic acne. Treatment is usually done by taking medication. It is, therefore, advisable to avoid aromatic substances. A pH-neutral cleaning agent, such as cleansing milk or a cleansing foam, is usually sufficient. If your skin looks very oily, you can ask your dermatologist for a suitable cleanser. He can best tell you what is right for you. In no case should you use peelings or scrubs on your own? Such could make your acne worse.
