Cystic Acne
All acne lesions start out as “micro comedos”. As that lesion grows it has two different pathways that it can go down. One way turns the lesion into a noninflamed lesion (whitehead or blackhead). The other route will develop into a pustule or cyst; and it will take about 90 days to run its course. Cystic Acne occurs when a person not only has an inherited propensity for acne, but also has the inherited propensity for inflammation.
The good news about cystic acne (inflamed acne) is that it can be much easier than noninflamed acne to clear. It is closer to the surface than noninflamed acne and therefore more receptive to the products used to get it under control. We use a combination of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory topical products used as directed by your acne specialist to bring existing inflammation levels down and to keep it from returning. There are also many supplements that we recommend along with your home-care that can help to bring inflammation levels down such as zinc monomethionine, omega-3 fish oil, and vitamin B-5.