Cystic acne is often said to be untreatable. Usually it does not get healed even after medication. Antibiotics help you to reduce inflammation and swelling but after a few years the acne develops resistance to the antibiotics. However, there are a few home remedies that can help you treat cystic acne. Cystic acne or nodulocystic acne is regarded as the worst form of acne vulgaris. It is characterized by red and deep inflamed breakouts. They also leave behind intense blemishes. Cystic acne can appear on face as well as on the body. They are generally filled with pus and are painful.
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Who gets Cystic Acne?
Cystic acne can affect all age groups, especially teenagers, as the hormonal changes are more among teenagers.
How Cystic Acne is Caused?
Cystic acne is caused due to three reasons. They are as follows:
Clogged pores: Dead skin cells and impurities clog the pores of the skin.
Overactive oil glands: Due to excessive secretion of sebum, these clogged pores are more affected and it leads to trapping of more dirt.
The presence of acne causing bacteria: Propionibacteria is responsible for causing cystic acne.
Acne is not caused because of lack of personal hygiene. Diet also does not play important role in causing acne. But dairy products can cause cystic acne as the animals are usually injected with hormones to increase the production of milk. These hormones can cause an increase in the development of acne.
Home Remedies for Cystic Acne Treatment:
Apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is very beneficial for treating acne, warts, pimples and other problems of the skin. It helps in maintaining the pH of the skin and clears the cystic acne. It also helps in preventing any further outbreak of cystic acne. Pour a few drops of apple cider vinegar in a cotton ball and apply it on the affected areas. Leave it overnight and wash with plain water next morning. This will give you clean and healthy skin. Using it regularly for a few weeks helps in getting rid of cystic acne.
Aspirin mask:
Aspirin mask is made using aspirin tablets. Take some aspirin pills and crush them well to get the powder. Add some water to it and mix well so that you get a runny paste. Now you can apply this paste o the affected area. Wait for about 15 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water. This is very effective for getting rid of cystic acne.
Baking soda:
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which make it very effective for treating cystic acne. Take two spoons of baking soda and make a thin paste by mixing it well with some water. Apply it evenly on the area affected by cystic bacteria and wait for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Baking soda helps in killing the bacteria causing cystic acne and reduces the oiliness of the skin. It also provides a glow to your skin.
Coconut oil massage:
Coconut oil is also a good remedy for cystic acne. It is a good hydrating agent and keeps your skin well moisturized. Unprocessed and unrefined coconut oil is known for its antibacterial properties. Take one teaspoon of coconut oil in your hands and massage the affected areas on your skin. You will see that the acne has become less red.
Clay mask:
Clay mask is a good exfoliant and is very effective for treating cystic acne. It helps in removing excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, making your skin look younger and cleaner. You can apply it on your face once or twice a week for best results.
Egg white mask:
Eggs are great for treating skin. Egg whites are very effective for treating cystic acne. Apply egg white on the affected area and wait for 10 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water. Egg whites are rich sources of proteins and riboflavin and are good for the skin. They can help reduce cystic acne.
Facial sauna:
Steaming is an excellent way to cleanse your face deeply and to drain the cystic acne. Steaming helps in opening the clogged pores f the skin and removes dirt and grime that have collected in the pores. Take hot water in a bowl and cover tour head with a towel. Lean over the bowl and steam your face for a few minutes. Steaming your face three times a week will give you best results.
Honey mask:
Honey also can treat cystic acne. It has exfoliating properties and is also a good natural antiseptic. It can help in reducing the redness and inflammation, remove dead cells and kill bacteria that cause cystic acne. Apply honey on the affected area and leave it for about 15 minutes. Then you can wash it off with lukewarm water.
Tea tree oil:
When cystic acne is caused due to oily skin, tea tree oil can help you treat it. It has antiseptic properties and is good for treating various skin diseases. Mix 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 9 to 10 teaspoons of water and apply it evenly on the affected area. Wait for 10 minutes and then wash your face with water.
Toothpaste:
Toothpaste is very effective for curing cystic acne. This is because of the presence of alcohol and fluoride in it, which help in drying the pores and killing the bacteria responsible for causing acne. Apply toothpaste on the affected areas and leave it for about 15 minutes, so that it gets into the skin. Wash off with water.
Additional Tips for Acne:
- Use products that are made for acne control. Products containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are good for treating cystic acne.
- Use fresh laundry towel to wipe your face.
- Change your pillow cover every day.
- Do not share your makeup with anybody.
- Do not pick or touch your skin unnecessarily.
- Use cleanser pads and blotting papers.
- Use a hand sanitizer.
- Make sure that the acne is not cause because of the cosmetics you use.
- Drink lots of water and exercise daily.
