Acne is a widespread skin problem that usually affects teenagers. And even though most people suffer from mild or common forms of acne, there is a small percentage of people that suffers from various forms of severe acne, such as cystic acne.

Severe acne can be categorized into 4 types: acne conglobata, acne fulminans, gram negative folliculitis and the previously mentioned nodulocystic acne. Don't wait around expecting these types of acne to disappear on their own. In fact, if you have any of these types of acne you should immediately consult with a medical professional.

However, this article will focus mostly on nodulocystic acne. We will review characteristic and treatment options for this type of persistent acne.

Nodulocystic Acne: The Most Common Characteristics

Cysts are not common in mild cases of acne. But, they are prevalent in nodulocystic acne. These types of acne cysts may vary in size from very small to more than an inch in diameter.

Acne cysts are generally nodules of inflammation, but can also be filled with fluid. Most people will quickly start picking at these cysts, but in doing so they are risking skin damage and subsequent scarring.

These cysts can be widespread or isolated. They can appear on the face, scalp, neck, chest, shoulders and back. Oftentimes these cysts will blend together and form another, more severe type of acne known as acne conglobata.

In certain cases, these acne cysts can also be the source of pain and itching. For those people that do experience this type of problem it is advisable that they seek professional help before beginning a skin care regimen.

Treating Nodulocystic Acne

Just like with all types of acne, nodulocystic acne can be mild or severe. In the case of mild cystic acne, a good acne cream could do the trick. Isolated cysts may also be spot-treated. If you suffer from a mild case of cystic acne, it is advisable to visit your dermatologist.

When dealing with more severe cases, cystic acne treatment might require a combination of isotreitinoin and antibiotics. Steroid injections may also be used in order to help dissolve cysts and nodules quickly.

It may be necessary to resort to surgery to remove cysts if these do not respond to other treatment options. Another viable option is draining cysts.

Besides the treatments mentioned above, you can also help your skin stay healthy by being vigilant with your cleansing routine. Daily cleansing is important in order to keep skin free from debris and excess oils. Keep in mind, maintaining skin healthy is the only way of protecting it from harm.