Cystic Acne Symptoms

Reviewed by:  Andrea G. Di Stefano, MD Dr Andrea G. Di Stefano is an European Board-Certified Dermatologist with a particular interest in Acne, skin cancer, infectious and Sexual Transmitted Diseases and autoimmune skin disorders....more

Acne Vulgaris or common acne is a skin condition that may lead to the forming of scars on the skin of the sufferer if not treated promptly. The symptoms of acne are beyond the normal pimples. Acne can appears on any part of the body, especially where there are a lot of sebaceous glands under the skin, such as the face, neck, back, shoulders and also chest.

There are two types of acne, i.e. inflamed and non-inflamed. The examples of non-inflamed acne are blackheads and whiteheads which are not swollen or painful. Inflamed acne on the other hand is always very painful and inflames. The examples of inflamed acne are papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Papules are tiny red bumps that signal infection in the skin pores. Pustules are also small red bumps but are pus-filled. Nodules and cysts are large and painful lumps inside the skin. Nodules are hard lumps and cysts are soft lumps with pus in it.

Among these, nodules and cysts are considered severe types of acne, but cystic acne is considered the most severe acne as it can cause scars. The symptoms of cystic acne include the present of large cysts, redness around the skin eruptions due to inflammation and swelling and also irritation of the skin.

Though cystic acne is not a serious medical condition, seeking early medical treatment from a professional dermatologist is important as it can prevent severe damage to the affected skin areas which will cause permanent scars.

 

References:

1. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), Acne: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, November 3 2009. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne/DS00169
2. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Acne, December 11 2009. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000873.htm
3. About.com Guide, Angela Palmer,  Acne Symptoms: Signs and Symptoms of Acne, updated April 24, 2009. http://acne.about.com/od/acnesymptoms/a/symptoms.htm

 

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This page was last modified on: December 02, 2011