Technically known as acne vulgaris or pimples, cystic acne is a chronic disorder of the skin which is characterized by cysts, closed and open comedones or plugged lesions having a “cottage-cheese” like substance, raised red swelling and pus pockets. Specifically, when the skin pores gets plugged, cystic acne is set. Each pore opens to a canal known as a follicle. Each follicle has an oil gland and a hair. The oil glands have two functions; one is to keep the skin lubricated and the next one is to remove the old cells of the skin. However, when they excrete too much of oil, the pores might get blocked. This then can accumulate debris, dirt and bacteria. The blockage or plug is called a comedone.

Before cystic acne is formed, whiteheads and blackheads starts to develop and they can be visible. When these comedones burst, the substance inside it along with the oil can spread in the surrounding skin area which can again cause inflammatory reaction. This inflammation later on takes the form of cystic when the inflammation is deep in the skin.

Generally cystic acne occurs in face and the shoulders. But, cystic acne can also occur in your legs, arms and buttocks. Some studies have shown that cystic acne generally affects teenagers; however, the adults and infants can also get affected by cystic acne. Even cystic acne can persists in age of 30s and 40s.

There are many different factors that can trigger the formation of cystic acne. One cause is the hormonal changes. It has been found by researchers that the hormonal changes due to menstruation, birth control pills, pregnancy, and stress are major factors causing cystic acne in women. Apart from the hormonal change, using irritating creams, corticosteroid medication and tropical steroid creams can onset the formation of cystic acne. However, a general public notion is nuts and chocolates worsens cystic acne, but interestingly no one could prove the fact. Some experts even claimed that it isn’t true.

There are a various cystic acne treatments that has been designed and developed. These treatments promise to gets rid of cystic acne and prevent its development. Even though they work excellently, visiting the doctor before using any such treatment is worth it. The doctor can understand well about your demands and his suggestion and advices can help you get better results.

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