Cystic acne is one of the severest forms of acne and small boil like lumps are formed under the skin. Cystic acne occurs on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back in some rare cases it can also appear on other parts of the body. Any acne attack is a painful experience and cystic acne is one of the worst forms of acne that one can get. These are the body areas with the largest number of oil glands and that is why they are more prone to acne. If cystic acne is not treated on time it can leave scars. What is required if one has acne is treatment and care. There are a number of theories regarding cystic acne and some say dirt, others personal hygiene, etc cause cystic acne. These are not true and as such should be disregarded and ignored.

In case of cystic acne the cure should start early on as soon as the acne breakout starts and doctors would prescribe oral as well as topical medication to clear up the acne and reduce the pain associated with an acne attack. Acne lotions which are applied on the skin where there is an acne breakout basically dry out the oil, kill bacteria and slough dead cells. Over the counter acne lotions are mild and contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic or lactic acid. Among these benzoyl peroxide is found to be quite effective in acne treatment. If the acne is moderate an antibiotic may be prescribed and in case of cystic acne isotretinoin would be prescribed. This is such a powerful drug and has severe side effects that a dermatologist will only prescribe it if the acne is extremely severe and in America usage and dosage of isotretinoin for women is monitored by the food and drug administration authorities. That is why it is only given in severe cystic acne cases and the dosage is monitored because of its powerful side effects. Laser treatment is also used to treat cystic acne and the laser therapy reduces the oil production of the glands. Light therapy is also used and it zooms in on the bacteria and destroys it. Both these therapies are used in curing cystic acne. Women who get cystic acne are advised to use oral contraceptives before and after and after cystic acne breakout.

Treating cystic acne requires early diagnosis by a doctor and it is a doctor's opinion that should be taken and followed as it is only after looking at the extent and type of acne that a dermatologist can prescribe the correct medication and treatment. Also if a dermatologist is consulted at the outbreak of an acne attack and their treatment followed it will prevent the latter formation of scars. Cystic acne can leave ugly scars and they may either dissolve in 6 to 7 months time or may remain as permanent scars.

Even after the cystic acne attack is over one may need to continue taking oral medication or light therapy and using topical medication to prevent a new breakout of acne. One can take certain preventions after an acne breakout. Washing the acne affected skin twice a day, using non oil containing cosmetics or avoid using cosmetics. Using an over the counter acne cream which contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Remove all makeup before sleeping, wear loose fitting clothes and shower after any exercise or workout. All these help in preventing fresh acne attack.

A growing number of people are opting for natural cystic acne treatment and herbal treatments as they are not as painful as allopathic treatments and don’t have any side affects. One can find a number of sites on the internet from where one can get information on natural cystic acne treatment and herbal acne treatment. Alternative treatments for cystic acne are now being widely explored and more people are turning to them.