Cystic Acne
by Alison
Cole
zone3
A cyst is a closed pouch of tissue that may be filled with pus, fluid,
air or other material. Cysts may form within any tissue in the body but
are not very common. Cystic involving the skin is a tender, sensitive and
deep painful lesion that has the potential of producing long-term
scarring. Cystic acne, caused by the overactivity and plugging of the
sebaceous glands (skin’s oil glands) requires immediate treatment to
prevent further complications.
A variety of oral medications used to clear cystic acne include
antibiotics (tetracycline and erythromycin), oral contraceptives and
cortisone. Tetracycline and erythromycin are effective broad-spectrum oral
antibiotics used to treat moderate to severe inflammatory acne.
Tetracycline reduces inflammatory lesions of acne but is contraindicated
in pregnant and breast feeding women, and children of less than 8 years of
age. Doxycycline and minocycline, the synthetic derivatives of
tetracycline are important therapeutic oral agents in the treatment of
acne.
Appropriate oral contraceptives that are valuable adjuncts in the
treatment of acne in females include ethynodiol, norgestimate,
norethindrone and norethindrone acetate. They act by inhibiting the
overactivity of sebaceous glands (oil glands).
In an attempt to treat cystic acne, the dermatologists might also opt
for acne surgery, followed by flushing much-diluted cortisone gently
through the cyst. Also, one might benefit by topical application of warm
water, which often compresses cystic acne.
In situations where other treatments fail to produce an improvement in
the patients with severe inflammatory acne, isotretinoin (Accutane) may be
prescribed. Isotretinoin (a derivative of vitamin A) is a very effective
oral drug that can help prevent scarring. It acts by reducing the size of
the sebaceous glands thus preventing the excess secretion of oil and
decreasing the growth of bacteria. It has been estimated that up to 90% of
patients’ treatment with isotretinoin result in complete or almost
complete recovery from cystic acne. Since isotretinoin can cause birth
defects in the developing fetus, it is important that women of
childbearing age are not pregnant and do not get pregnant while taking
this medicine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Acne provides detailed
information about acne, acne medication, acne products, and more. Acne is
affiliated with Acne
Skin Care Products.
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