A cystic acne lesion is much larger than a regular pimple
More severe cases of acne tend to be characterized not just by the
presence of pimples and blemishes, but also by the formation of
nodules or cysts. Acne that involves the development of cysts is
called cystic acne.
A cystic acne lesion is much larger than a regular pimple, sometimes
5mm or more in diameter. These lesions can be hard and painful.
Cystic acne lesions are filled with pus but should not be squeezed.
Squeezing a cystic lesion can lead to a worse infection and
inflammation. The lesions are prone to scarring and should be taken
care of by a dermatologist, who often uses procedures to reduce
swelling and to lessen the likelihood of scar formation.
In severe cases of cystic acne, it may be a good idea to consult a
dermatologist about treatment. But there are many holistic remedies
and preventative measures one can take against cystic acne. An
alternative medicine practitioner should be consulted about some of
these holistic remedies, while other more common procedures can
easily be performed at home with no medical supervision.
Many dermatologists and alternative medicine practitioners believe
that cystic acne can be controlled to some degree through diet.
Cystic acne is often the result of an unknown allergic reaction to
particular foods.
The first step in controlling cystic acne through diet is to
experiment with the systematic elimination of certain foods. It is
also helpful to add certain foods to your diet that are known to help
in the recovery of severely acne prone skin.
Sugary foods and foods that contain milk or dairy products are
commonly the trigger for cystic acne. As you experiment with
eliminating these food types, be sure to read package labels closely
so that you are not ingesting sugar and dairy products unknowingly.
Be aware that it may be several weeks before you notice a change.
Foods containing trans-fatty acids are also a common irritant to skin
prone to cystic acne. Foods like margarine, shortening, fried foods,
salty snacks, soda, and meat contain trans-fatty acids and should be
avoided.
Many people who suffer from cystic acne find that the addition of
fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin A carotene can help to ease
their condition. These foods include dark leafy vegetables, and
yellow-orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots, yams, and squash.
It is also helpful to drink up to four quarts of purified water a day
to eliminate toxins and to help the transportation of essential
nutrients to the skin.
Cystic acne can also be aggravated by stress. Alternative medicine
practitioners often suggest making yoga, breathing exercises, and
meditation part of your daily activities. These activities can help
to reduce stress levels, thereby decreasing the skin’s tendency to
produce cystic acne lesions. Getting enough sleep is also essential
in holistic therapy treatments.
Sufficient and appropriate cleansing is also an important part of
holistically taking care of skin prone to cystic acne.
To clean your skin effectively, wash it gently twice a day using warm
water. Do not scrub or use harsh cleansing agents that are abrasive
or high in Ph, which can aggravate the condition. Mild soaps are more
effective. To dry your skin, pat it gently with a soft towel.
If you are considering treating cystic acne holistically, these tips
are a good place to start. You may wish to consult an alternative
medicine practitioner about further herbal and holistic therapies.