Cystic acne is not the most common type of acne, (acne vulgaris is), but it is an important type of acne to understand. While acne vulgaris causes pink bumps and inflammation through a region of the skin, cystic acne causes more serious blemishes, and is more likely to lead to scarring.

What Does Cystic Acne Look Like?

With cystic acne, the acne develops into small, cyst-like nodules of inflammation under the skin. Acne cysts are similar to, but more severe than, regular pimples. They show swelling and are filled with a white pus, but are larger in size and are often more painful, especially when the sufferer attempts to pop them. (See the discussion of scarring, below.)

Because cystic acne is more severe in appearance, and because it can spread under the skin, it can be extremely embarrassing for the sufferer. Acne is often a cause of low self esteem, so it is important for sufferers of cystic acne to understand that the cause of their outbreak is not their fault.

Where Does It Occur?

Cystic acne, like other forms of acne, is most common on the face. However, it can also occur on the shoulders or back, and even on the upper arms or legs.

What Causes Cystic Acne?

Like all forms of acne, the precise cause is not known. Acne can be made worse by stress and poor hygiene, but these are not the root causes, so staying clean and stress-free will not eliminate the acne. Especially with cystic acne, there is a common myth that this is caused by poor hygiene, but that is simply not the case. Acne results when pores become blocked and clog. The type of acne depends on how the pore behaves once it is clogged, and where the clog occurs (shallow or deep), as well as how an infection spreads or not.

Cystic Acne and Scarring

Cystic acne is known as the type of acne that is most likely to cause scarring. This is because of the way the acne cysts disrupt the natural smoothness of the skin. To reduce your likeliness of scarring, keep your skin in good condition.

Stay hydrated (the more hydrated your skin is, the faster it will heal and the more elastin it will have). Do not get too much sun (some sun can reduce the appearance of acne, but too much will further damage the skin, which makes healing even harder).

Treat your cystic acne with a topical antibiotic or other cream. Plenty of over the counter medicines are available, or see a dermatologist.

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