Cystic acne help

Jul 4, 2011

Saudia I.

Hey everyone,
recently my face has started to break out its not really bad however, when i do get a pimple its really huge it hurts as if i was stung/ bitten by something. i did my research and came up with "adult acne" which is called cystic pimples. dose any one have any advice? on remedies? thanks  

Jul 4, 2011

Heather H.

I used to get them before I was on isotretinoin. These were considered emergencies (treatment was quick) by my dermatologist and he would be able to just fit me in that day. He would lance it and inject it with cortisone. Lancing removed the pressure and the steroid injection helped it heal quickly. Usually you should seek treatment for it as soon as you feel a bump forming.

I suggest find a dermatologist and talk about your options because no over the counter product will help this type of acne. I tried everything, but to no avail. 

Jul 4, 2011

Juanita O.

the only thing that has helped with mine, was a prescription antibiotic, i forget the name of it, but i took one pill a day for 6 months and my acne was pretty much completely clear other than the random spot or two when it was that time of the month. my acne came back around when i turned 20 but i havent gotten a cystic spot yet.

Jul 4, 2011

Yasmin K.

Never self diagnosis at home. I would recommend seeing a doctor.

Jul 6, 2011

Drea L.

I've has cystic acne my whole teen life till now. Honestly, there are no topical products that will help very much - it's best to get antibiotics for it. Topical products will just dry out an existing break out & will look worse in the long run. The dermatologist is the best way to go.

Jul 7, 2011

Viet-Thi T.

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely cure cystic acne. There are, however, ways to prevent a really bad breakout and ways to treat it at certain stages. I've been fighting with acne all of my life, and I've learned to deal with it and take from my family's example since in my fam, it's highly genetic (my mom has done several laser treatments just to make her scarring less visible).

This is what I do, after seeing a dermatologist and living with acne for at least 15 years now:

1. Know your skin. Oily, dry, combo? Sensitive, splotchy? Acne in certain areas or all over? Then get cleansers, toners, and moisturizers that cater to that skin type. I also find that I break out a lot when I don't clean my glasses, talk with my cell phone pressed up my cheeks, or fail to wash my blankets/pillow cases regularly.
2. Part of knowing your skin type is seeing a dermatologist, there's no way around it, unless your mom or dad's one.
3. Don't touch it! The more you touch or fuss with it, the more bacteria and oils and etc can contaminate your skin, which could lead to even more breakouts.
4. Once you feel it, treat it immediately using topical treatment. My personal HG is a natural product called tea tree oil, in which I apply directly before sleeping, putting on makeup, or heading to the gym. I have incredibly oily and non-sensitive skin, so this works for me.
5. If it continues to grow larger, wait until it reaches the white head stage, THEN combat it. Take a small razor, sterilize it with alcohol, and pierce the tip of the white head ONCE. Press two of your index fingers around the pimple downwards, and rotate the position around the pimple to prevent redness and scarring. Press down, and not into it! You want to get under the pore, not squeeze the skin off. Keep doing it until all of the puss leaves, then press some more until the core comes out or when you don't feel a bump. Continuously wipe with a clean cotton pad. ***I wouldn't recommend this if you're uncomfortable, and if done incorrectly, it can lead to scarring. I had my aunt, who's a dermatologist, perform this on me before attempting myself!!!

In a nutshell, go see a derma, really!!! Keep that face clean from fingers, cell phones and pillowcases in the meantime. Best of luck!

Jul 7, 2011

Kymberli G.

after 20 years of fighting acne, i've determined that it's due to my Crohn's Disease. an intestinal disorder. Plus hormones.
I've been going to the dermatologist for years. But really the best thing i've found for the painful cystic pimples was Proactiv's facial mask.
i just put it on the pimple @ nite for a few days till it dries up.

good luck hon :) i feel for ya

Jul 15, 2011

Theresa G.

Help me by philosophy has controlled break outs for me. Along with hope in a jar moisturizer.