Cystic acne is generally characterized by large lumps filled with pus, which at first glance look like boils. These pimples are often painful and leave scars on the skin. Recognize the characteristics of cystic acne and know how to prevent it.
Acne can appear due to bacteria, oil, or dead skin cells trapped in the pores of the face. When bacteria infect areas deep beneath the skin's surface, this is known as cystic acne.
Acne stones are usually prone to be experienced by owners of oily skin, teenagers, women, and adults with imbalanced hormones.
Characteristics and Causes of Stone Acne
Stone acne is easy to identify because of its relatively large size compared to acne in general. In addition, there are several other characteristics of cystic acne that you can easily recognize, such as:
- There is a large white lump
- Red bumps appear
- Lumps filled with pus
- Feels pain when touched
Stone acne does not only appear on the face area, but also on the chest, neck, back, arms, shoulders, and behind the ears. If a cystic pimple breaks out, the bacterial infection can spread and cause more breakouts.
The cause of cystic acne is still not known with certainty. However, androgen hormones are known to affect the growth of acne, especially in adolescence, when androgen hormone levels in the body increase.
These hormones cause changes in the skin that cause clogged pores, resulting in acne.
In addition, there are several conditions that can trigger the appearance of cystic acne, including:
- Pregnancy
- Menstrual cycle
- Menopause
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The use of certain drugs and beauty products, increased testosterone in the body, consumption of spicy and sweet foods, and heredity are also believed to trigger cystic acne.
Handling Steps to Get Rid of Stone Acne
Stone acne is often stubborn and difficult to get rid of. This is because cystic acne usually cannot be completely cured by using over-the-counter acne medications.
After the examination, the doctor will provide treatment and care to control acne, prevent skin damage, and disguise acne scars.
There are several types of medications and treatments that are generally used to treat cystic acne, including:
- Administration of topical medications, such as retinoids, antibiotics, dapsone, and salicylic acid
- Administration of oral medications, such as antibiotics, combined contraceptive pills, and isotretinoin
- Therapy, such as light therapy, chemical peel, extraction of comedones, and corticosteroid injections
However, keep in mind that the administration of drugs and therapy to treat cystic acne must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription. Therefore, consult your doctor first to get the right treatment according to your skin condition.
How to Prevent Stone Acne
Keeping the skin clean and healthy is the best way to prevent the appearance of cystic acne. In addition, there are several other ways you can do to prevent cystic acne, namely:
- Clean the body at least 2 times a day, especially after sweating.
- Avoid scrubbing the skin too hard when cleaning it.
- Use a mild cleansing soap and warm water to clean the skin.
- Avoid excessive use of cosmetics.
- Choose cosmetics that are labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic.
- Clean up leftovers make up before sleeping.
- Avoid squeezing pimples as it can cause acne scars.
- Wash your hair regularly to prevent the transfer of bacteria from your hair to your skin.
- Use sunscreen every day to prevent the harmful effects of the sun on the skin.
In addition, you can also prevent cystic acne by avoiding foods that contain a high glycemic index, exercising regularly, and managing stress well.
However, if some of the methods above are not effective in preventing the appearance of cystic acne, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment.