Skin CystWhether you call it a pimple, zit or bump, acne is an overall description for a skin inflammation that is both irritating and embarrassing. Acne is broad term for clogged pores which can become a skin cyst or nodule. For people with oily skin, acne is an ongoing problem. Dry or combination skin may also have acne which may be due to hormonal changes during adolescence, nutritional deficiencies and lack of regular skin cleansing. The pustules that rise for the skin with a pus pocket are what is typically considered to be acne. These pustules usually from around a tiny hair follicle and can become a cyst. A skin cyst is a more extreme type of acne. The area around the skin cyst can be painful to the touch or feel as if it stretches the skin because of the bacteria beneath the skin. Cysts also collect dead skin cells that pad the bacteria and cause it to feel much too comfortable. As a skin cyst, the nodule is an inflamed area that appears dome shaped. Because of the damage that can be done to the inner skin tissues, a nodule or skin cyst may leave scar tissue.
Squeezing or attempting to pop a skin cyst just expands the damage beneath the skin and does nothing to get rid of the cyst. Another risk of this approach is to create a scarring. Most over-the-counter treatment products contain Benzoyl Perozide or Salicyclic Acid. The strength of these products is milder than what could be obtained by prescription. Another important aspect of treatment for a skin cyst is twice daily cleansing to remove dirt particles and dead skin cells. Choose a cleanser appropriate to your skin type, dry, oily or combination. If you have oily skin, don't listen to the myths about soaking your skin in rubbing alcohol to dry it out. That is very harsh on every skin type. If over-the-counter treatments and regular cleansing are not successful, make a consultation appointment with a dermatologist. This medical specialist can identify the skin cyst and other acne areas as well as develop a treatment plan. Typical prescription medications may include higher strength Benzoyl Peroxide, retinol, ointments and tetracycline or other antibiotics. Prescription medications may be more expensive than over-the-counter, however, aggressive treatment of acne reduces the potential to form another skin cyst and potential skin scarring that come with the cyst. In the long run, the sooner acne is treated and under management, the less money you spend later on removing facial scars. When the skin cyst problem goes on too long without treatment, the only course left is to remove them with more expensive procedures. An aesthetician or dermatologist may apply chemical peels with glycolic acid that is repeated for four to six treatments. This is both expensive and uncomfortable. Less painful but more expensive are laser treatments that can only be administered by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. Rather than get to this point, seek treatment early for a skin cyst to avoid scarring and skin damage. |