Acne is a condition that affects many people throughout their lives. Doctors estimate that 4 out of 5 people from 12 to 24 years are affect by acne at least once. And since acne can appear in people through their 50s those numbers are probably even higher.

Cystic acne is the most embarrassing and most painful type of acne. Cystic acne treatment is also the most difficult. Most treatment plans include medications and treatments that are not available over the counter.

Cystic acne treatment should be started quickly if you suspect you have this type of acne. Appointments with a dermatologist are often difficult to get and require about 2 months of waiting for new patients. You should call and make an appointment as soon as you believe you may want to visit a dermatologist for cystic acne treatment.

Cystic acne treatment is important to begin quickly because this type of acne causes scarring and pitting of the skin. The blemishes are often unsightly, pus filled and with a red or purple hue to the surrounding skin. The nodules are generally at least 5 millimeters in diameter.

Dermatologists are able to give you the best options available for your skin type and your acne. Cystic acne doesn’t disappear on it’s own and if it does it takes weeks to heal.

One natural cystic acne treatment that you can try at home waiting for your appointment with the dermatologist involves juicing a fresh apricot and applying it to your skin. This often brings relief from the pain and can help to heal the cysts more quickly. Apricots have an anti-inflammatory effect. You can leave the juice on your face for several hours before bedtime.

Dermatologists will offer several cystic acne treatment. The first is a pill, Isotretinoin, with is a man-made form of retinoid - vitamin A. The sufferer takes this pill for up to 20 weeks. The side effects include muscle aches, uncomfortable drying of the lips and eyes, depression, chest pain and significant birth defects.  Women who choose this treatment must be on two types of birth control to ensure that no child is conceived during the treatment.

One of the safest cystic acne treatments is a cortisone injection directly into the nodule to reduce the inflammation and stimulate healing. The injection will break up the infection and has the advantage of beginning to work immediately. This treatment can only be used on existing nodules. There are very few side effects.  One very rare side effect is the lightening of skin over the injection site. This happens in darker skinned people.

Accutane is a drug that has gotten quite a bit of unfavorable press in the media.  The success rate with Accutane is as high as 80%.  It works by reducing the size of the oil glands which control the oil production and acne development.  There are very severe side effects that include severe depression leading to suicide.

Women are able to use oral contraceptives for a safe long-term way of decreasing their hormones which also regulate oil production.  If oral treatments or cortisone injections don’t work the cysts may require drainage.  The procedure is done in a sterile environment by a trained professional and should NEVER be attempted at home.

Cystic acne treatment is essential to maintain a complexion without permanent scarring and pitting.  Using both nutrition, hygiene and medical treatments sufferers should be able to decrease their outbreaks and improve the condition of their skin.