Whether you suffer from severe acne or a mild outbreak, there are many different treatment options for this skin condition. These options include oral antibiotics, topical retinoids, and oral spironolactone. However, if your acne is too severe, a dermatologist may be necessary. Severe acne is extremely hard to control and may require several treatments.
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Oral antibiotics
There are several options for treating cystic acne. Some methods include the use of a topical or oral retinoid. Others include corticosteroid injections, which are very effective in shrinking large painful acne cysts. A birth control pill, spironolactone, and an oral retinoid called isotretinoin can also help treat the acne. Do not squeeze or pick acne cysts, because you risk developing scars or bacterial infections.
Regardless of the type of acne cysts, treatment must be individualized. A dermatologist can recommend an appropriate regimen and prescribe medications based on the type of acne. Oral antibiotics, for instance, can kill the bacteria that cause acne by reducing inflammation and preventing scarring. Benzoyl peroxide is another treatment that works well with acne cysts. This is one of the most effective treatments for cystic acne, but it may take several months before you see results.
Topical retinoids
A doctor may recommend topical retinoids for cystic acne to treat cystic acne, but they do come with some risks. For example, they can worsen papulopustular rosacea, which often mimics acne. However, when used correctly, retinoids are effective for clearing up cystic acne. And, while they have a number of side effects, there are also some benefits.
As long as the prescription is based on an evidence-based study, topical retinoids are a great choice for treating cystic acne. They are based on extensive bench and clinical trial data, and they target different aspects of acne pathophysiology. Recent evidence-based guidelines for treating cystic acne agree that retinoids are an important component of topical treatment. In addition, these guidelines were developed by the American Academy of Dermatology and the European Dermatology Forum.
Oral spironolactone
The results of the FASCE study support the use of oral spironolactone for the treatment of cystic acne in women. It is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, funded by the French Ministry of Health. The coordinating investigator for the study was Prof. Dreno. The study included 110 patients, and 94 of them improved their CASS scores. Six patients did not improve at all and six relapsed after initial improvements. However, the study showed encouraging results in terms of efficacy, relapse rate, and safety.
In addition to treating cystic acne, spironolactone is also used to treat other skin conditions, including excessive hair growth and high blood pressure. While it is generally safe for women to take the drug, it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist before taking the pill. Oral spironolactone is a treatment for acne that has been used for years by dermatologists.
Severe acne
If you suffer from severe cystic acne, you may be looking for the best treatment option. Your dermatologist will prescribe topical medications and stronger antibiotics for your condition. Some medications have side effects and aren’t appropriate for everyone. A dermatologist will be able to recommend a course of treatment for your specific condition and discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment option. Severe cystic acne treatment may require several different treatments to get the best results.
While other forms of acne develop on the surface of the skin and clear up within a matter of weeks, cystic acne can last for months. Severe cystic acne symptoms include large, painful, and swollen blemishes that can leave scars or permanent marks. Although cystic acne commonly appears on the face, it can also develop on the back, chest, arms, shoulders, and chest.
Depression
A case report examining depression and cystic acne symptoms found that a patient was treated with isotretinoin (Roaccutane), a drug that clears up cystic acne. In the study, the patient completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and the Kessler 6-Item Psychological Distress Scale (K6) during treatment. Although no direct link was found between the two, the patient leaflet noted that depression could be a side-effect of both treatments.
The researchers also found that a patient with acne had a higher risk of major depression than the general population. This risk was 63 percent higher in the year after a new diagnosis of acne. Even though this risk decreased after a year, it is important for physicians to monitor a patient’s mood symptoms and initiate treatment as soon as possible, if necessary. Physicians should also seek consultation from a psychiatrist if depression is suspected.
Low self-esteem
Research suggests that low self-esteem and cystic acne symptoms may be linked. One study of 3775 adolescents found that the severity of acne was significantly associated with a decrease in boys’ attitudes toward themselves. Another study, of 550 Turkish students, found a direct relationship between acne severity and self-esteem. Although it remains unclear how acne affects self-esteem, there are some ways to help patients better cope with acne.
Final:
The psychiatric impact of acne must be evaluated. The burden of acne has a high psychosocial impact and should be treated effectively. The results of clinical trials have shown that treatment for acne improves patient self-esteem and improves body image. It is therefore vital to conduct psychiatric evaluations in patients with severe acne. In addition, improved acne treatment is associated with improvements in self-esteem, body image, and social functioning.
