Commonly Asked Questions About Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is one of the most severe forms of acne that a person can get, and people who are struggling with cystic acne often have a lot of questions about what it is, what causes it, and how it can be treated.

That’s why we’ve put together this page with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cystic acne.

If you have a question that is not answered on this page, please feel free to use our contact form to ask us directly for the answer!

What Is Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne, sometimes referred to as nodulocystic acne, is a severe form of acne vulgaris which is characterized by the appearance of large, inflamed cysts and nodules.

A nodule is a hard lump under the skin, much like a papule only greater in size. Cysts, on the other hand, are softer and filled with fluid. Almost like a very large pustule.

How Common Is Cystic Acne?

While there are no statistics that I can find on the prevalence of cystic acne, it is one of the less common forms of acne vulgaris. The occurrence of less severe acne lesions, such as papules, pustules, and comedones, is far more common than the occurrence of cysts and nodules.

It is known that cystic acne is more common amongst those of latino backgrounds than it is for those who are caucasian.

Is Cystic Acne Contagious?

No, not at all! No form of acne is contagious, and you cannot “catch” acne either by being around a person with acne, nor by skin-to-skin contact.

Is Cystic Acne Hormonal?

There are many possible causes of cystic acne, and hormones are one of them.

Hormonal cystic acne is more common among women than men, although persons of either gender can have it. It should be noted that hormonal acne often responds differently to treatment than does acne with other causes.

Is Cystic Acne Genetic Or Hereditary?

Yes, there does appear to be a genetic or hereditary component to cystic acne. That is to say, it tends to run in families and if one or both of your parents had cystic acne at some point during their lives, you are more likely to get it yourself.

Is Cystic Acne Curable?

I wouldn’t say that any form of acne is curable, but they are all treatable!

Speak with a dermatologist if you have cystic acne to discuss professional treatment options. While mild-to-moderate forms of acne are easily enough treated with over-the-counter products, severe cystic acne often requires stronger medications, such as those available only through prescription such as isotretinoin.

Is Cystic Acne Painful?

Large, inflamed acne cysts and nodules can be very painful, and it often depends on where they are located.

Can Cystic Acne Cause Scarring?

Yes, absolutely! Cystic acne is one of the forms of acne which has the highest chance of leaving permanent scars. For this reason, it’s important to never pick, pop, or squeeze cystic acne lesions, and speak with a dermatologist to get it treated as quickly as possible.

Is Cystic Acne A Staph Infection?

While cystic acne and staph infections are definitely not the same thing, some people do report the onset of cystic acne after having a staph infection.

Is Cystic Acne Caused By Stress?

Stress can be an acne trigger for some people, and if you are prone to developing cystic acne then it can cause breakouts or make existing breakouts worse.

Is Cystic Acne Inflammatory?

Acne cysts and nodules are almost always inflammatory.

Can Cystic Acne Be Caused By Allergies?

Although it is rare, certain food allergies have been reported to trigger cystic acne outbreaks in some people. Still, if you have cystic acne it is much more likely that it has another cause, such as overactive sebaceous glands, rather than an allergy.

Can Makeup Cause Cystic Acne?

Makeup can cause a form of acne known as acne cosmetica, which is rarely cystic or nodular. Acne cosmetica is more often characterized by the appearance of comedones such as blackheads and whiteheads.

Can Dairy Cause Cystic Acne?

Dairy products have been known to trigger cystic acne in some people. Click here to read more about the connection between cystic acne and dairy.

Can Cystic Acne Be Caused By Birth Control?

A surge in estrogen hormones can be a cystic acne trigger, and your hormone levels are often altered when you use certain forms of birth control. For this reason, birth control can cause cystic acne for some people.

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