<h1>Cystic Acne - Is There A Cure? What Is The Best Treatment?</h1>

Author: J. Anaya
Cystic acne is a skin condition often confused with acne vulgaris.

The difference in these two conditions is that while acne vulgaris causes whitehead acne and black heads; cystic acne causes ingrown - usually hard and painful - cyst like acne or boils. Cystic acne affects the deeper skin tissue, thus, a deep scar is often left behind.

Cystic acne is difficult to treat and is often quite damaging due to the physical and emotional scars associated.  For this reason, early and aggressive treatment is critical wether the cystic acne breakouts be severe or occasional. 

The term nodulocystic acne is at times used to describe more severe inflammatory cystic acne. Cysts or boils may be individual or grouped, appearing on the face, back, neck, buttocks, groin, armpit, and anywhere sweat collects in hair follicles. If left untreated, cysts may begin to form together causing patches of inflammation and cell destruction leading to acne conglobata. Acne conglobata may be a combination of severe acne vulgaris and cystic acne and can lead to pronounced disfigured scars. Acne conglobata although rare is believed to be a result of prolonged untreated sever acne, most commonly affecting young male adults. Thyroid medication, and androgen-based steroids have been linked to triggering this condition.

The most aggressive and common treatment for cystic acne is Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a retinoid; a synthetic form of vitamin A which comes in pill form typically known as Accutane.  Due to the severe side effects of Isotretinoin, many physicians will first attempt to treat the patient with combination therapy which may include two or more of the following acne treatments:

• Topical antimicrobials (cream or gel applied to the skin)
• Topical retinoids (cream or gel applied to the skin)
• Oral antibiotics
• Oral contraceptives
• Drainage and surgical excision
• Intralesional corticosteroid injection (Cortisone Injections)

Intralesional corticosteroid injections are painless, effective and affordable. They are necessary for the prevention of deep pitted acne scars and to speed the recovery process. Cortisone reduces inflammation and most often within two to five days will flatten the nodule or cyst.

A dermatologist will inserts a small needle with diluted corticosteroid directly into each nodule or cyst.  This permits deep intake of a high concentration of the treatment directly into the infection, where oral and topical acne medications can not penetrate. When cysts do not respond to treatment,  surgical drainage and/or excision may be required.

Remember, acne is a skin condition which can be ‘triggered\' and return at anytime so do not dismiss your diligence in a daily skin care regime to maintain clear, healthy, beautiful skin.

To better control the cycle and breakouts of cystic acne, follow the Acne Treatment info guide, and be sure to visit a dermatologist immediately.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/acne-articles/cystic-acne-is-there-a-cure-what-is-the-best-treatment-2696254.html
About the Author
The Acne Treatment Info Guide, created by J.G Anaya, provides free acne treatment information based on clinical and holistic treatments that work, acne product reviews and non-bias comprehensive advise.
For more acne treatment information, please visit: http://www.AcneTreatmentInfoGuide.com