Being a woman is challenging, especially when it comes to self-care. One day you’re worried about the best leak proof organic tampons, and then the next you’re considering the benefits of natural skin care. For those young women suffering from cystic acne, the debate over possible skincare regimens gets even more confusing because many topical treatments are not sufficient. Therefore, how do you treat cystic acne without the need for a dermatologist’s intervention?
Don’t Pop Them
Cystic acne is not the same as acne as a teen. While childhood pimples and zits were often treated with an acne oil or popped by impatient hands, cystic acne is different and does not respond the same way. For one thing, you cannot pop cyst. They are made up of pockets of white blood cells and are often quite deep. Therefore, while there might have been satisfaction from popping the zits of your youth, attempting to do that with cysts will only make the problem worse.
Ice the Affected Area
If you can’t pop the zit away, then what can you do? You can ice it. While icing the cyst will not eliminate it or stop it from forming, it will slow its progression. As cystic acne is deep-rooted, you can often feel it coming on, by icing the area you restrict blood cells, reduce swelling and prevent redness. Therefore, icing the affected area allows you to move on with your day and follow up with a cleansing routine later in the day.
Natural Treatment Options
Unfortunately, acne is not a one-solution problem. While there are general treatments that are effective across a variety of patients and acne types, most often, sufferers will have to rely on a mixture of therapies and washes to achieve their desired results. Most skin care professionals recommend a three-pronged approach to treatment: (1) a salicylic acid cleanser followed by (2) an oil-free moisturizer and (3) a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment.
Hydrocortisone Cream
However, some cysts are painful and persistent. Therefore, you might need to use the three-pronged approach above and add a hydrocortisone cream to the mix. For extremely pesky cysts, you can use a leave-on spot treatment that combines the salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone cream. The reason hydrocortisone cream works is that it reduces swelling, redness and inflammation with a topical steroid.
Seek a Dermatologist
If all else fails, you can seek the assistance of a dermatologist. At the office, the doctor will usually inject the cyst with a cortisone shot to dry it out. The entire process only takes a few minutes, and the cysts are dried out within hours. However, not everyone has the time or money to run to a doctor every time they get a pimple, so in-home therapies and treatments work well.
If you have problems with cystic acne and are looking for a home treatment regimen or plan, then look for natural products. Try a salicylic acid cleanser in combination with an oil-free moisturizer and a spot treatment of benzoyl peroxide. If you need a little extra boost, then look fora hydrocortisone cream to help dry out the cysts.