Nodulocystic acne is a severe type of acne that causes painful, inflamed rashes and leaves permanent scars. It is caused by overactivity of the sebaceous glands and requires professional medical treatment to prevent scarring.
Considered the most severe type of acne, nodulocystic acne or cystic acne is painful and leaves permanent disfiguring scars on its victims. It is an inflamed rash that develops on the face and other areas of the body that leaves behind large patches measuring up to several centimeters in diameter. The name comes from the cyst that develops deep within the skin following the infection. The cyst is filled with puss and is located under the swollen pustule.
Not all severely inflamed acne can be considered cystic. The existence of a cyst distinguishes this form from the common acne known as acne vulgaris. A person suffering from nodulocystic acne not only develops cysts but also nodules. Unlike cysts, which are soft, nodules are hard lumps under the skin’s surface and can also be painful. Because nodules form deep within the skin, they take a long time to heal. The term “nodular acne” refers to a particular type of acne that develops nodules but does not have cystic lesions.
Teenage boys and young men are generally more prone to cystic acne, although women are likely to get it during their menstrual cycle or after pregnancy. Nodulocystic acne can actually occur at any age, but it is most common during adolescence, when various hormonal changes occur in the body. Experts believe that the main cause is overactivity of the sebaceous glands. The extra oil is secreted by these glands and clogs pores on the skin surface, then combines with outside bacteria to form an infection in the clogged pores. If left unchecked, the infection could affect deeper skin tissue, causing the painful nodulocystic acne. The presence of dead skin cells inside the pores also causes cystic acne.
The likelihood of developing scarring following nodulocystic breakouts is extremely high due to the severe damage to the surrounding skin tissues. In order to prevent the development of permanent scars, pricking and scratching the affected parts of the skin should be avoided.
Those suffering from cystic acne are advised to seek professional medical help. This type of acne requires routine medications that only a healthcare professional can provide. Unlike common acne which is easily treated with a topical bactericide, nodulocystic acne requires a combination of more aggressive treatments that include oral antibiotics, intralesional corticosteroid injections, and possible surgical excision and drainage.
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