Worried about a Large Cystic pimple on Face |Effective way of treatment & how fast can it be cured?

Cystic pimples: What are they? How can they be treated? 

Cystic pimples occur when, on the human skin, large, reddish and painful growth, filled with a liquid or gel like substance appears. This happens when the opening of the skin’s oil glands become blocked, usually with dead cells, and become infected. This goes deep into the skin leading to reddish, pus filled growth we call, the pimple.

 This will hurt and itch severely. And, if it bursts, the infection will spread. These are to be treated immediately, as they can affect large portions of the skin and leave ugly scars.

These can be in the form of:

Lesions, which are abnormal growth, often filled with pus, painful and can cause scars; nodules, which are large, solid, clearly visible and deep in the skin; Pustules, which are visible on the skin surface, red at the base and pus on top; Papules, small pinkish bumps, on the skin; Blackheads, small, black in colour, on the skin surface and Whiteheads, small and under the skin.

Causes:

• The hormone androgen at an excessive level plays a major role. This is why teenagers are more likely to suffer than others.
• A woman’s menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause are factors.
• Certain cosmetics and also medications cause it.
• Severe sweating and high humidity environments.
• Diet that includes carbohydrate rich food and also severe stress.
• Oily skin.

Treatment is of three levels: Control of the acne; Avoiding scars and skin damage and if necessary reducing scar visibility.

This includes vitamin A derived medication to control the blocking of the pores; antibiotics to control and stop bacterial infection; salicylic acid based lotions to remove dead skin cells; medication to reduce androgen production, especially in younger women; and in severe cases, a drug called Isotretinoin, also Vitamin A derived, is used when other treatment do not work.

Other methods include laser therapy to remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the pore; chemical peels to unclog pores, erode blackheads and fade scars. Sometimes, the whiteheads and blackheads may have to be physically removed.

Prevention is better than cure so:

• Wash your face, not more than twice a day, with warm water and soap.
• If there are pimples, do not burst them.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid long periods out in the sun.
• Try to avoid anxiety and stress.
• If acne is on the back, shoulder or chest, avoid tight fitting clothes.

On an average the treatment takes two to three months, but sometimes less, depending on the patient.

Blog reviewed by: Dr. Priya J Talageri
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