Cystic Acne In Women

Acne is a condition that can affect people of all ages and both sexes, and acne in women is a common experience that can occur for a number of reasons.

Of course, the underlying reason for the presence of acne is an over-activity of the sebaceous glands, and this means an over production of oils, which can then clog the pores and combine with bacteria to cause acne. Cystic acne is a form of acne that affects skin tissue more deeply than other forms, and it is a condition that can cause a lot of discomfort and pain.

Cystic acne results in abscesses on the skin and is caused by trapped oil and bacteria in the pores. This is a condition that can rapidly spread yet be slow to heal, and it can leave scarring. Trapped dead skin and dirt combine with excess sebum and bacteria. Because this clogs up the pores, the bacteria are able to reproduce, which results in the infection spreading.

Cystic acne should not be squeezed as it can create a deeper infection that takes even longer to heal.

Women with cystic acne

Although cystic acne seems to be more common in teenagers, women can suffer from this as well. In some cases it can prove problematic to treat, particularly for women of childbearing age. It causes problems because of the infections that can stem from it, and successfully treating these problems can take some time. There are a number of options that can be used to deal with cystic acne in women; however, with antibiotic treatment there may be a problem in that the bacteria could have built up a resistance.

The acne treatments available over the counter are usually suited to milder forms of acne. The severity that can come with cystic acne may not respond to these treatments, and because many of the products are very drying, they may irritate more mature and sensitive skin.

Hormonal changes can cause the excess sebum production that results in acne, and many women experience break-outs during pregnancy. Pregnant women should be aware that one form of cystic acne treatment, accutane, cannot be used by them. Accutane has been linked to birth defects in unborn children. Breastfeeding new mothers should also not take it.

Cystic acne in women can be awkward to treat because of the risks associated with it, and women of childbearing age that develop this severe form of acne should ensure that they seek medical advice with regards to their treatment options.

High frequency for acne is a treatment that has succeeded where many others have failed. Learn more about it, and other cystic acne treatments here.