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Treatments for Severe Nodular or Cystic Acne
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. A number of factors
influence acne, including overproduction of sebum and keratin, the buildup
of bacteria in the skin, and the inflammatory response. The male hormone
androgen is also believed to play a role in acne because they effect
the production of sebum. Most topical acne treatments focus on reducing
sebum, reducing the buildup of dead skin cells, and reducing inflammation.
Cysts or nodules are blockages of the oil glands that have burst open
and produced inflammation and pus in the surrounding tissue. These lesions
have the potential to produce long-term scarring. These infections are
usually deep under the skin and do not rise to the surface. Cystic acne
heals extremely slowly because the infection waste is not discharged.
Most cases of acne can be cleared, including cystic or severe nodular
acne, though they require the treatment of a dermatologist. With modern
methods, there is no reason for acne to be so long lasting that it leaves
scaring. Also, treatments for acne can lead to greater self-esteem and
confidence.
Patients should consult a dermatologist if any or all of the following
apply:
- You are dissatisfied with over-the-counter acne products.
- Your acne is causing you stress and personal dissatisfaction with life.
- You already suffering from acne scarring with persistent acne.
- The acne you suffer from is large, painful bumps.
- Your skin is dark and the acne is causing darker patches to appear.
Dermatologists agree that three-step acne fighting kits are an excellent
way to treat acne without the harmful side effects or dangers of oral
drugs. A 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide kit is ideal, and we strongly recommend
our solution, Tru-derma, as it is backed by all of the research and
information on the Acne-Resource Center. Click here to learn more.
A dermatologist can recommend or prescribe a course of treatment or
medication to help treat the acne. In many cases of severe nodular acne
or cystic cysts, a dermatologist will prescribe isotretinoin, which
has the product name of Accutane.
Isotretinoin is an oral drug that is usually taken once or twice a
day with food for four to five months. Isotretinoin has been credited
with clearing up severe
acne forever.
The drug works by reducing the size of oil glands so that much less
oil is produced and the growth of bacteria is decreased. WARNING: "Accutane
may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide
attempts and suicide."
Using isotretinoin does have severe disadvantages, however, and a
thorough consultation with the dermatologist is advised. Isotretinoin
can cause birth defects in the developing fetus of a pregnant woman,
so pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant should not take
it at all. **Extreme care needs to be taken if you choose to take oral
medications as many lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. Those
who are prone to depression or who are going through pressing/challenging
times in their lives should use only to topical derma treatments. For
more treatment options, click
here.**
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Other treatments for severe nodular and cystic acne include intralesional
corticosteroid therapy. This involves a relatively painless procedure
where each cyst is given an injection of dilute cortisone solution.
The injections provide fast relief for the painful inflammations.
Acne surgery is another option. This procedure greatly speeds up the
clearing of acne by manually removing blackheads and whiteheads. A round
loop extractor is used to apply smooth pressure to dislodge material.
Inserting a pointed instrument carefully loosens lesions that offer
resistance and exposes the contents. This form of surgery should only
be performed under the supervision of a dermatologist, because ruptures
to the skin tissue can allow skin-based bacteria to infect the area
and lead to greater inflammation.
There are treatments
available for all forms of acne. No one should have to suffer
from painful lesions, low self-esteem and self-confidence,
as well as exposure to bacterial infections with the modern
methods available for the treatment of this skin disease.
Other Resources:
BUPA: The Personal Health Service (http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets)
McKinley Health Center
Nutrica (Producers of Acne treatments)
Acne Management (http://www.dermnetnz.org/dna.acne/mngmt.html)
BloodhoundNetwork.com (http://acne.bloodhoundnetwork.com/severe-acne-treatment.html)
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