Cysts are getting common these days for women. Women suffering from cystic acne tend to occur with pus-filled acne that roots deep under your skin. They are large and painful. It is mostly an inflammatory acne that is a little different from regular acne. It tends to occur when the bacteria is getting into the pores, resulting in inflammation, swelling and pain. It may even lead to scarring. Typically round and dome in shape, the acne could be white or yellow in color. Speaking about cystic acne, they are mainly the collection of skin cells and keratin. It is the protein that is present in the skin.
In today’s article, we will garner details on everything that is related to cystic acne on the forehead.
Cystic acne on forehead symptoms
When it comes to acne, the symptoms are all the same in most cases. In cystic acne, the outlook of it is more prominent. The severe form and the cysts converting into inflammable papules and pustules are highly painful to bear. Furthermore, it tends to cause visible scarring.
Regardless of wherever this cystic acne occurs, the main impact is on the outer skin. It leads to emotional distress. It becomes more since they are more painful. Women suffering from long-term cystic acne will get some of the common symptoms –
- Larger pits
- Hollow depressions in the skin
- “Ice-pick scars”; they are in the form of small, deep pits
- Scars turned out to be red and dome-shaped.
- Cystic acne on forehead causes
Your skin pores have sebaceous glands that secretes an oily substance called sebum. Production of normal sebum helps in protection against hair follicles and skin. Sebum overproduction may lead to clogged pores of your skin. This makes way for the overgrowth of P. acnes.
Ruptured, inflamed acne leads to cystic acne. One of the biggest factors leading to cystic acne on the forehead is due to the hormonal changes in the adolescent years. When puberty hits, the androgen hormones increase at an alarming rate. This causes an increase in sebum production.
Again, cystic acne is not just restricted to teenagers. There are other causes that lead to such acne on your forehead or on your skin –
- Hormonal changes occurring due to menstrual cycle, PCOS, pregnancy, birth control and stress
- Using oily/greasy cosmetics, moisturizers, serum or clothing
- Higher humidity or too much of sweating
- Genetically
Side effects of drugs and chemicals. This includes corticosteroids, lithium, phenytoin, and isoniazid.
There are even myths that lead to the cause of cystic acne but again scientific study has dismissed all of them. You should know that these sort of acne is not caused by –
- Chocolate, nuts or greasy food
- Dietary choices
- Masturbation/sex
- Poor hygiene
Cystic acne healing stages
Technically, there are three main stages related to cystic acne healing. The fourth stage of healing occurs when you are undergoing proper treatment for cystic acne.
Stage 1 –
This is the first stage. The acne starts forming deep in your skin.
All your skin pores that have hair follicle as well as sebaceous gland juncture to the stage where they are producing the skin’s natural oil, sebum.
Your body is in the constant loop of regenerating and shedding the dead skin cells that get trapped under your skin. When this occurs, it tends to combine with the sebaceous glands and sebum clogging the pores.
It may either lead to blackhead/whiteheads or it may lead to a cystic pimple. If this occurs, then it is going to last for a few days. What you can do here is, as soon as you see cystic acne is going to occur, you have to use hot, damp cloth on the affected area to get to stage two.
Stage 2 –
The second stage has a zit surface where the cystic acne turns red, starting to be inflammable. It may last up to a week or so. If you want to let go of it easily, you may have to suppress the inflammation by putting an ice cube on the affected area.
After this, you can opt for spot treatment. If you are opting for home remedies, it will take longer than going for medications. Application of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide will keep the affected area clean and prevent dirt or bacteria. Spot treatment helps in the larger run and heals faster than home remedies.
Stage 3 –
Your acne is starting to shrink and lose the inflammation it caused in the first place. But it will not stop there. Experts recommended using a mini acne mask to the affected area just like the spot treatment. It will help in treating the acne as well as let you not disturb the affected area by touching or anything likewise.
Whatever treatment options you are opting for, make sure that regardless of the pain or puss, you will not pop the acne. It will lead to bleeding and leaving a huge scarring on your forehead or skin.
Cystic acne home remedies
Here are some of the home remedies that you can opt for cystic acne healing –
Ice
Ice is cold and it is well effective in reducing swelling, inflammation, itchiness and pain. It acts as a natural healer. Experts and researchers tend to say that you should be rubbing the ice on the affected area until it becomes uncomfortable to bear.
Aspirin
One of the most selected home remedies opted for by people suffering from cystic acne is using aspirin in the form of a mask. All you need to do is mix aspirin in the water to make a paste. Apply the mask to the acne. It helps in reducing pain and inflammation.
You should know beforehand that the application of aspirin will directly on the skin lead to irritation. If you are allergic, you should avoid this.
Cleansing with Vinegar
Some skin experts have suggested using vinegar. It has antibacterial properties. Using diluted white vinegar as a cleanser on your skin twice a day will help in healing faster. When it comes to diluting, you should use 2 cups of vinegar mixed with 3 cups of purified water. Make sure that you are avoiding your eyes while cleansing, or else it will cause irritation.
Turmeric Mask
Turmeric has been used as a healing property since its inception. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which are best for treating cystic acne. Mixing water with turmeric to make a thick paste. Apply the paste directly on the cystic acne and leave it for an hour. Rinse it with lukewarm or cold water for the best results.
Tea Tree Oil
Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area overnight. Tea tree oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in healing your acne in a week.
Aloe Vera
Another effective remedy is Aloe vera. It not only helps in reducing the appearance of acne but also pimples caused by bacteria and other pathogens. Aloe vera gel will help in treating dryness and irritation.
Castor Oil
The plant-based ingredient helps in treating cystic acne just the same way as vinegar or tea tree oil. It has antimicrobial properties that help in treating any form of acne. You will have to mix the oil with a carrier oil and apply the same to the affected area overnight to see the best results.
Honey
Having antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, honey when applied in the raw form helps in healing cystic acne. All you have to do is apply the raw honey to the affected area for 20 min. Rinse it off with cold water.
Hot Compress
Hot compress helps in reducing the thickness of the liquid that is filled in the acne. Heat further helps in protecting against bacteria and reduces infection. Take a clean damp cloth in hot water, let it cool down a little and compress the same on the affected area.
Cystic acne treatment
Over the counter treatments are not really effective for chronic cystic Acne. In simpler words, you ought to show a dermatologist. It may take up to 8 weeks to see the results. Here are some of the treatments you may have to opt for –
Isotretinoin
A powerful prescribed medication known to be highly effective for cystic treatment. It is enhanced with VIT A. You may see the results in 4 to 8 weeks , though there could be serious effects (consult your doctor).
Oral medicine
It is used to treat large areas of your skin. It helps to decrease bacteria and reduce inflammation. Possible side effects could be abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea.
Retinoids
Topical ones are acquired from Vit A. They help in removing the hair follicles for preventing chronic acne. It can be used on a daily basis in the form of gel or lotions.
Spironolactone
A prescribed treatment that helps in reducing acne, treating edema as well as high blood pressure. It helps in managing the excess level of androgen and is highly effective in women. Though their side effects could lead to birth defects.
Conclusion
When you opt for medicinal treatments, though it may take time, make sure you opt and abide by the prescription. Home remedies are effective as well as time consuming. Testing on your neck or hand is suggested to see if you are allergic to any of the above ones stated.
FAQs
Why am I getting cystic acne on my forehead?
Skin clogging may occur due to excess oil and sebum production along with dirt subsiding down. Bacteria may even get down into the pores along with the sebum and dirt. The skin tends to react all the same leading to swelling followed by acne.
How do I get rid of cystic acne on my forehead?
Commence with a good skincare routine. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day followed by toner and moisturizer (especially for dry skin). Try opting for a serum/gel that has salicylic acid as an ingredient.
Why am I suddenly getting cystic acne?
When you are exposed to excessive oil production from the skin layered with dirt and bacteria followed by lessened skin care, would lead to such issues. Not just that, it may even occur if you are suffering from health issues like PCOS, menstrual cycle issues as well as if you are on birth control pills.
What does acne on the forehead mean?
It occurs frequently in people , especially in women. The reasons could be many. Stress, anxiety, birth control pills, PCOS, hormonal changes as well as poor hygiene triggers acne.
