This type of acne usually requires medical attention, and may persist for long periods of time… often for weeks months, or even years. However, researchers have found that there are some natural treatments for cystic acne that do work. These studies have focused on understanding the underlying cause of cystic acne and have resulted in a method which involves a change in lifestyle that promotes a healthier body in general. The results have shown to have a dramatic impact on the ability to cure cystic acne.

You might want to check out our honest and unbiased review of the #1 best selling ebook on the internet which contains a complete and guaranteed program on how to cure acne naturally at Acne No More Review. Plus, this topic will be discussed in more detail in a future article on this website at Natural Treatments for Cystic Acne.

There are many treatments currently being used for acne that simply are not effective in the treatment of cystic acne. One relatively new treatment (used initially as an anti-aging treatment for wrinkles) is the use of a laser. Research studies of laser treatments for acne have produced such mixed results that it’s not known at this time whether it truly is effective or not. However laser treatments are proving effective for acne scar removal.

What Are the Best Cystic Acne Treatments?

The answer to the question regarding the best cystic acne treatments will depend in large part on what you believe is the cause of your acne. If your acne is severe, your first impulse may be to consult a dermatologist regarding treatment options. It doesn’t matter if it is teenage or adult cystic acne treatments you are seeking, the dermatologist will probably recommend an oral prescription medication as they believe that acne meds are the best treatments for cystic acne.

If you suspect that your cystic acne is being caused by hormonal changes, then a dermatologist might not be the best choice of medical professional with which to make an appointment. Most dermatologists only treat the acne symptoms and don’t look for a hormonal cause. If you are going through the stage of puberty or if you are pregnant, then the cause of your acne may very well be hormonal. The same may be true if you have adult cystic acne and are experiencing symptoms of menopause. Consulting an endocrinologist might be the best course of action if you believe your acne does stem from hormonal changes so that he can prescribe hormonal acne treatments.

Then, of course, you have the option of using natural treatments for cystic acne. It truly baffles me when I read that “diet does not affect acne.” That, in my humble opinion, is nonsense. Diet and lifestyle affect our entire body, so how could it not affect the condition of our skin? I believe that what it all boils down to is that doctors who treat skin conditions can’t make money if you find a natural way to cure your acne. That may sound harsh, but I believe it is 100% true.

Topical cystic acne treatments do little to combat cystic acne because the cysts are so deep within the layers of skin. The best that most topical acne treatments can do is to kill bacteria and calm redness. However, once the cystic acne has been cleared up, topical treatments provide little, if any, benefit in hindering the reoccurrence of  painful cysts.

What Are the Most Common Cystic Acne Treatments?

One of the most common treatments for an existing acne cyst or nodule is a steroid injection. You will need to make an appointment with a dermatologist for this. The steroid injection is actually cortisone which is a natural hormone produced by the body. An injection of this substance can begin the healing process immediately and will help to prevent scarring. However, steroid injections do nothing to prevent future development of cysts.

The most common cystic acne treatments recommended to heal and prevent future cysts usually involve some form of prescription medication. The most common medication used to treat cystic acne is Accutane. Accutane treatments consist of an oral medication usually taken once or twice a day for a duration of 16 to 20 weeks.  This medication is believed to marginally reduce the size of the oil glands so that less oil is produced.  This reduces the chance for pores to clog because the body is not producing as much oil.  When this occurs, the formation of new pimples and cysts is reduced, and the pre-existing ones are not further irritated. This medication also helps to reduce cell shedding and the stickiness in the follicles. This further helps to prevent the development of this painful type of acne. Advantages of this drug are:

1. It is a very effective in preventing further outbreaks of cystic acne.
2. It helps in preventing extensive scarring in many patients.

After one to twenty weeks of use, acne is reduced, or in some cases, almost completely goes away.  The major downside to this is that when the patient stops taking this medication, the acne often returns and it is necessary to once again begin taking it. Therefore, it can be said that medical  science has not found a prescription medication that can cure cystic acne once and for all… you’re still dependent on the continued use of dangerous medications. And if you don’t believe that the side effects are serious, just read the following section of this page.

What Are the Side Effects of Prescription Meds for Cystic Acne Treatments?

There are, however, several disadvantages to taking Accutane, and they should be considered before making the decision to make this drug a part of your cystic acne treatments regimen.  In addition to being very expensive, this drug is linked to some extremely adverse side effects.

Possible less serious side effects include:

1. inflammation of the lip
2. inflammation of the mucous membrane on the eyes
3. dry mouth, nose, or skin
4. itching
5. muscle aches

More serious side effects have been known to include:

1. increased levels of blood cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels
2. abnormal liver enzymes

Patients who choose cystic acne treatments which include Accutane are usually monitored by a physician to make sure these side effects don’t occur, and to stop the drug if they do. The good news is that these side effects usually go away after the medication is stopped. However, if you are using this drug and experience any of these side effects, it is crucial that you tell your doctor immediately.

The most serious adverse side effect of Accutane is that it can cause serious birth defects.  Women who are taking this drug are advised to take a pregnancy test each month to be sure the drug is stopped should they become pregnant. There are other cautions that women should follow pertaining to this drug therapy as it relates to pregnancy, so it is important to talk with your physician about this drug and its possible effects if you believe you might be pregnant or become pregnant.

Are the Side Effects of Meds Worth the Risk when Treating Cystic Acne?

As previously stated, there are not a lot of remedies for cystic acne when it comes to cystic acne treatments. After reading about the serious side effects, are you willing to take those risks, or would you prefer to adopt a healthier lifestyle and cure the underlying cause of your cystic acne and enjoy the side benefits of feeling better and having a healthier body? The decision is entirely up to you. However, please take into consideration that when it comes to cystic acne treatments, the prevention of reoccurrences can never be guaranteed unless the underlying causes are addressed and eliminated.