Skin acne plagues teenagers and adults alike, although adolescents are the most frequent victims. It causes a nasty variety of skin lesions which may include cysts. The cysts usually need additional treatment because they tend to be worse than regular pimples and have a greater chance of causing certain complications.
Definition
Acne is a condition in which the skin's pores get blocked by old skin cells and a natural oil called sebum, according to the Nemours Kids Health online guide. Bacteria may also get into the mix. It affects 80 percent of adolescents, according to Nemours, because hormonal changes during puberty usually kick sebum production into high gear. It may continue past the teen years or show up for the first time in adulthood. Most sufferers have fairly mild outbreaks, but some have very deep, severe pimples.
Types
Most skin acne cases involve blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, pustules and papules, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of these pimples are pus-filled, and some involve total blockage of the pore, while others have an opening. The American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD, warns that severe acne can cause cysts, which usually develop from nodules or papules. Nodulocystic acne can affect the face, scalp, neck, back, shoulders and chest. There may only be one cyst, or several can crop up over a widespread area of skin. The cysts often get infected and fill with thick, yellow fluid.
Effects
Nodulocystic acne is very visible and cosmetically unpleasant when cysts develop on the facial skin. The AAD states they can reach several centimeters in diameter. Many sufferers experience embarrassment because of them. The cysts have bad effects even when they're in a less visible area because they are often painful. They often cause permanent skin scars. The pain and irritation entices sufferers to scratch them, which raises the scarring probability.
Treatment
Nodulocystic acne requires medical treatment. The AAD explains that it may need corticosteroid injections, which break down the cysts over a period of several days. Some physicians treat skin acne cysts with antibiotics or an oral medication called isotretinoin.
Warning
The Mayo Clinic warns that isotretinoin had the potential to cause severe and dangerous side effects. These include dry eyes and mouth, increased sensitivity to sunlight, rashes and other skin problems, joint and muscle pain, and changes in the blood sugar level. It should never be used in pregnant women because it causes birth defects. It can also affect a user's mental state, potentially causing depression and suicidal thoughts. It should only be used in the worst acne cases when other treatments have failed, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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