Acne vulgaris, known as cystic acne, develops a pimple deep beneath the skin's surface, leading to scarring over the face and other affected areas of the body. The scarring can produce deep, disfiguring pits in the skin, but seeking the proper treatment from a dermatologist can help rid your skin of outbreaks of cystic acne and stop the formation of new acne spots.
Step 1
Take oral antibiotics as prescribed by your physician, such as doxycline, erythromycin, tetracycline and minocycline. Antibiotics fight the bacteria under the skin that leads to cystic acne.
Step 2
Apply prescription topical creams to the acne. Tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene are derivatives of vitamin A. These creams promote new cell growth and prevent hair follicles from plugging. Also, use prescription topical antibiotics combined with benzoyl peroxide, such as clindamycin or erythromycin.
Step 3
Fight severe forms of cystic acne with prescription oral medication other than antibiotics. Isotretinoin is prescribed twice a day for 16 to 20 weeks to eliminate excess sebum production, bacteria, clogged pores and inflammation associated with cystic acne.
Step 4
Treat the area with laser and light therapy at the dermatologist's office. The lasers reach deep beneath the skin's surface to damage the sebaceous glands. They produce less oil, which improves the texture of the skin.
Step 5
Extraction of the cyst may be required if it does not respond to oral or topical treatments. Dermatologists drain and extract cysts using local anesthesia.
Things You'll Need
- Oral antibiotics
- Topical creams
- Prescription isotretinoin
- Laser therapy
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