Cystic Acne: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment In Singapore

Treatment for cystic acne is the most common reason to visit a dermatologist or aesthetician. Ranking as one of the top skin problems in adults, approximately 85% of females and 15% of males suffer from adult acne.

Cystic acne is considered the most severe form of acne and cystic acne treatment can be a bit of a minefield thanks to the many options available. If you are wondering about where to begin, read on to discover the best acne treatment plan for you.

80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will experience acne at some point. Acne typically is caused by hair follicles in the skin becoming blocked as your body produces excess sebum. This blocked follicle can then develop into one of the below types of spots:

1. Blackheads – Black or yellow spots which occur when a blocked follicle is exposed to the air
2. Whiteheads – Forms when dead skin cells, oil and bacteria become trapped within your pores
3. Cysts – Large, red and painful spots which sit deep within the skin.
4. Papules – Smaller red bumps which feel tender
5. Pastules – Similar to papules, but they have a small white bump caused by a build-up of pus

How cystic acne forms

Cystic acne develops as a regular spot, but in fact, it is the most severe kind of acne which develops when the infection goes deep into the skin. If a cyst bursts, it can spread this infection and cause more breakouts. Cysts are notorious for causing serious, long-lasting scarring.

Those with particularly oily skin tend to be more prone to cystic acne as the overproduction of sebum blocks the pores.

Do I have cystic acne?

Cystic acne is relatively easy to identify compared to regular hormonal acne. Visually, the spots are bigger than normal and do not have a head to them. They have also been likened to boils in terms of their appearance.

It is usually much more painful, and the large, deep cysts are often tender to the touch. Cystic acne can be described as itchy as well as uncomfortable.

Another acne symptom that will occur if your acne is cystic is that you may notice that it is resistant to typical over-the-counter treatments, like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Visiting a spa or salon for non-medical acne specific facials may not work either.

What to expect in cystic acne treatment

For cystic acne treatment, it is important to note that only an aesthetic doctor or dermatologist can prescribe a proper acne treatment plan. This is because they have the specific skills and training which allows them to assess the stage and severity of your acne, and they can also prescribe any medication which may be required, such as antibiotics or topical treatments.

The Forever Clear Acne Program from Illumia Medical is unique in that it targets the different acne growth stages, as well as the individual case of the acne sufferer. The clinic is equipped with virtually every treatment, device or medication for any type of acne condition.

• For cystic acne caused by sebum overproduction, topical medication may be prescribed to help the skin better regulate its sebum production.
• For cystic acne caused by bacteria, most likely antibiotics will be prescribed to help kill the bacteria.
• For cystic acne-related redness, Illumia Medical is equipped with the appropriate cosmetic lasers to help with redness, active acne, scarring and pigmentation.

Each Forever Clear Acne Treatment plan is unique and tailored to the patient’s individual requirements, and the results are progressive. Most patients are forever clear of acne within 6 months, although some see results after just 3. The results are also permanent, unlike other acne treatment plans available on the market.

When should you visit a dermatologist to reduce cystic acne?

• If you have been struggling with your skin for a while with no success, it is probably time to book a consultation.
• If your spots are causing you pain and interfering with your life. The nature of cystic acne is that the cysts are painful and tender, if this is the case for you, you do not have to live with the pain – get it treated.
• If you want clearer skin. It is not vain or narcissistic to want clearer skin;we all want to be the best version of ourselves. If clear skin will give you confidence and happiness, that is enough of a reason to visit a dermatologist.

For a personalized acne treatment plan, book a consultation with our aesthetic doctors today for a customised quote, and take the first step towards clearer, acne-free skin.