Severe acne occurs when deep cysts form under the skin, causing inflammation and skin damage. Cystic acne requires aggressive treatment options. A dermatologist can assist in getting severe acne sores under control and preventing future outbreaks. Unlike mild to moderate acne, severe acne usually requires more powerful treatment methods to get rid of breakouts. Some of these treatments have serious side effects that should be discussed with your doctor.
Step 1
Find a dermatologist. Severe acne doesn’t typically respond to over-the-counter topical treatments. Cystic acne occurs deep under the skin, making it difficult for topical treatments to reach the blemish. Locate a dermatologist through the American Academy of Dermatology (see Resources).
Step 2
Drain the acne cyst. A dermatologist drains the cysts under sterile conditions to reduce inflammation and promote quicker healing.
Step 3
Use a corticosteroid injection for severe acne sores. Serious acne usually becomes inflamed and painful. Before the lesion ruptures, a dermatologist can inject corticosteroid into the blemish. Inflammation is quickly reduced and the blemish heals quicker. Severe acne sores can take weeks to heal; however, with an injection, healing occurs in 3 to 5 days, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Step 4
Request antibiotics to prevent severe acne sores. Antibiotics decrease skin inflammation and acne-causing bacteria, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Most doctors in the United States use the antibiotics doxycline, minocycline or tetracycline to treat acne.
Step 5
Use isotretinoin for severe cases of acne that don’t respond to other treatment options. This oral medication is the most effective treatment for severe acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. However, because serious birth defects are a side effect of the drug, women are required to take two pregnancy tests before starting treatment, and need to use two forms of birth control while taking the medication.
Tips and Warnings
- Antibiotics are usually taken for a few months to get severe acne sores under control. After this time, a dermatologist may discontinue medication and see if acne stays under control. This will prevent antibiotic resistance.
- If acne cysts become painful and inflamed, contact your doctor. It’s tempting to drain the cyst at home; however, this may result in permanent acne scarring.
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