Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that causes painful, pus-filled lesions deep beneath the skin’s surface. These inflamed bumps are often larger than typical pimples and tender to the touch. While it might be tempting to drain these lesions at home, doing so is not recommended and can lead to significant complications and long-term skin damage.
The Dangers of Self-Draining
Attempting to drain cystic acne at home carries several risks. Unlike superficial pimples, cystic acne forms much deeper within the dermis, making manual extraction ineffective and damaging. Squeezing or picking these deep-seated cysts can push infected material further into the skin. This intensifies inflammation and can cause the lesion to become larger and more painful.
Spreading contents deeper into the skin or to surrounding areas increases infection risk and can lead to new breakouts nearby. Pressure from self-draining can also rupture the follicle wall, spilling bacteria and pus into surrounding tissue. This internal damage significantly raises the risk of permanent scarring, including pitted scars and persistent dark spots. Additionally, self-manipulation can prolong the healing process.
Understanding Cystic Acne’s Nature
Cystic acne is characterized by its deep origin and severe inflammatory response. It develops when pores become clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to deep infections. Cystic lesions extend into the deeper layers of the dermis, forming pus-filled bumps that can resemble boils. This depth explains why they are often painful, as they are closer to nerve endings.
The development of cystic acne is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and the body’s immune response. Hormonal changes, particularly increased androgen levels during puberty, can lead to an overproduction of sebum, contributing to clogged pores. While stress does not directly cause cystic acne, it can contribute to flares. The intense inflammation associated with cystic acne is a significant factor in its potential to cause scarring.
Professional Treatment for Cystic Acne
Professional medical intervention is typically necessary for effective management and to minimize scarring. Dermatologists offer various treatments that address underlying causes and symptoms. Oral medications are frequently prescribed, such as antibiotics to reduce bacteria and inflammation, or isotretinoin (a vitamin A derivative) for severe or persistent cases that have not responded to other therapies. Isotretinoin works by significantly reducing oil production, normalizing cell shedding, and possessing anti-inflammatory properties, often leading to long-term remission.
Topical treatments, including retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, help unclog pores, reduce bacteria, and decrease inflammation. These agents can be used alone or in combination with oral medications. For painful cysts, dermatologists may perform in-office procedures like corticosteroid injections, which deliver a diluted steroid directly into the lesion to rapidly reduce swelling and pain. Professional incision and drainage may also be considered by a dermatologist to carefully extract pus and relieve pressure; this procedure should only be performed by a medical professional. Chemical peels and laser therapies are additional options that can help improve skin texture and address scarring once active breakouts are under control.