The Causes of Cystic Acne and How It's Treated

One of the most severe forms of acne is known as cystic acne. With this particular type, nodules form under the surface of the skin, morphing into hardened, painful cysts. Cystic acne will always require medical intervention and is a condition that continues on for long periods of time, persisting for weeks, months, or even longer.

The drug Accutane, which is an oral medication that's taken either once or twice per day for a period of four to five months, is often prescribed for treating cystic acne. Accutane is said to greatly reduce the size of the skin's oil glands, keeping them from producing excessive amounts of pore clogging oils, and reducing the number of nodules, pimples, and cysts.

This drug is also said to reduce or slow down the shedding of skin cells, as well as the stickiness of the follicles, both of which help to prevent this particularly painful type of acne from becoming severe.

Advantages of taking this medication include that it helps to minimize permanent scarring from cystic acne in some people, and also that after one to twenty weeks of usage, acne is greatly reduced or some instance, even completely eliminated. Although, when the drug is stopped, the acne usually reappears making it necessary to start taking it once again.

Much like any medication, there is a downside to taking Accutane, which should be considered carefully before beginning the drug. Besides being costly, it has also recently been linked to several adverse side effects.

Some of the possible side effects may include reactions such as aching muscles, itching, excessively dry skin or mouth, as well as inflammation of both the mucous membranes covering the eyes and also the lips.

More dangerous effects include abnormal levels of liver enzymes, as well as decreased levels of the body's blood cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides. People who are taking Accutane are most always routinely monitored by their doctors to watch for adverse reactions.

Fortunately, these side effects usually disappear as soon as the medication is stopped. However, if you are experiencing any of the same adverse reactions, it's imperative that you inform your physician as soon as possible.

Perhaps the most dangerous side effect of this particular drug is that it has the potential to cause serious birth defects. Therefore, women taking Accutane should take care to prevent pregnancy, and are even advised to take a home pregnancy test on a monthly basis to ensure they are able to stop taking the drug as soon as possible in the event they become pregnant.

Other warnings pertaining to women exist in regards to pregnancy and having children, so if you are considering using the medication, be sure to discuss the side effects in depth with your own personal doctor.

Because cystic acne can be rather painful at times, and equally as difficult to treat and cure, it's important to explore all of your options carefully. Consult with your doctor or dermatologist and find out which options are available and what their possible side effects may be.

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The Causes of Cystic Acne and How It's Treated