Nodulocystic acne, more easily referred to as cystic acne, gets its name from the cysts that come with this devastating acne condition. The cysts in cystic acne are actually nodules of inflammation that are a result of unusual dilation of the normal skin structure. They commonly develop from a popular or nodular acne lesion which then goes deeper into the skin causing local immune response.

Cystic Acne most commonly appears on the face, but they can consume other areas such as the neck, shoulders, chest, arm, back, and scalp. If these cysts become inflamed they are extremely painful. They often fill with a thick, yellowish fluid.

Cystic acne causes cell destruction which leads to scarring. These cysts can measure up to several centimeters in diameter leaving behind deep scars. Second to the pain associated with these cysts, the disfiguring aspect of having large cysts on your face can be brutal in today’s image-conscious world. Even after the initial cyst is gone, it can leave behind scars that will remind you of this condition for a lifetime.

When nodular cysts appear too close together they may unite causing cell destructions and leading to a more severe form of acne referred to as Conglobates.

There are many approved treatments for cystic acne including oral medication, Isotretinoin, Intralesional Corticosteroid injections, and surgical excision. For the more mild cases or for cysts in the initial stages tropical antibiotics and warm water compresses are prescribed.  Commonly oral antibiotics are recommended with the treatment beginning with a high dosage that is lowered gradually with the improvement of the cystic acne condition. Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Minocycline and Tetracycline are known antibiotics that are very effective. Some acne bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotic being used which then has to be followed with another form of treatment. If all other forms of treatment aren’t healing your cystic acne you must have a doctor perform a surgical procedure to remove it.