Cystic Acne Treatments – Part 2

Dermatologists will offer several cystic acne treatment options. The first is a pill, Isotretinoin, which is a man-made form of retinoid – Vitamin A. The sufferer takes this pill for up to 20 weeks. The side effects include muscle aches, uncomfortable drying of the lips and eyes, depression, chest pain and significant birth defects. Women who choose this treatment must be on two types of birth control to ensure that no child is conceived during the treatment. (1)

One of the safest cystic acne treatments is a cortisone injection directly into the nodule to reduce the inflammation and stimulate healing. The injection will break up the infection and has the advantage of beginning to work immediately. This treatment can only be used on existing nodules. There are very few side effects. One very rare side effect is the lightening of skin over the injection site. This happens more often in darker skinned people. (2)

Accutane is a drug that has gotten quite a bit of unfavorable press in the media. The success rate with Accutane is as high as 80%. It works by reducing the size of the oil glands which control the oil production and acne development. There are very severe side effects that include severe depression leading to suicide.

Women are able to use oral contraceptives for a safe long-term way of decreasing their hormones which also regulate oil production. If oral treatments or cortisone injections don’t work, the cysts may require drainage. The procedure is done in a sterile environment by a trained professional and should NEVER be attempted at home.

Cystic acne treatment is essential to maintain a complexion without permanent scarring and pitting. Using nutrition, hygiene and medical treatments sufferers should be able to decrease their outbreaks and improve the condition of their skin.

References:

(1) Drugs.com: Isotretinoin

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/isotretinoin.html

(2) US National Library of Medicine: Acne

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001876/