Finding the proper treatment for nodular and cystic acne is a very high priority because otherwise, it can cause significant and irreparable physical damage and emotional distress if not attended to as soon as possible.
The more common forms of acne can often resolve by themselves with simple steps such as good skin cleansing routines, over-the-counter lotions and simple lifestyle management. On the other hand, nodular acne requires greater care as well as a higher level of intervention with prescribed medications. You can read more about the features and appearance of nodular acne here.
Nodular acne is characterized by large, inflamed, and painful lesions that form deep within the skin. Treating nodular and cystic acne requires a comprehensive approach to manage both the existing breakouts and prevent future occurrences.
Level 1 – Topical ointments and lotions
Topical medications are commonly used as first-line nodular and cystic treatment. They aim to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and prevent bacterial growth. Some commonly prescribed topical treatments include:
- Renova (generic active ingredient: tretinoin), which is a derivative of vitamin A. Retinoids are used to treat severe acne. It promotes skin cell turnover by preventing the accumulation of dead skin cells and unclogging pores. This allows the skin’s natural oil-producing glands to function normally and decreases the formation of blackheads (comedones) and spots.
- Antibiotics like Cleocin (active ingredient: clindamycin) or Akne Mycin (active ingredient: erythromycin) can be applied topically to combat bacterial overgrowth in the skin, reducing inflammation and preventing infection. Clindamycin works by attacking the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which is associated with the cause of infection in cases of acne. This widespread bacterium feeds on the sebum excreted by the sebaceous glands. Its waste products irritate the sebaceous glands, making them inflamed, and this is the cause of spots. By restricting bacterial numbers, the antibiotics control the inflammation, allowing the skin to heal.
- Benzaclin (active ingredients: the combination of clindamycin & benzoyl peroxide) treats and prevents acne. Clindamycin works to stop bacteria from multiplying and to reduce the number of bacteria, which has anti-inflammatory benefits. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria underneath the skin, and helps pores to unclog and shed dead cells.
- Â Â Intralesional corticosteroid injections can be administered by a dermatologist, who will directly inject corticosteroid injections at the site of the nodular or cystic acne lesions to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Â Â Dermatologists can manually extract large, stubborn acne lesions using sterile instruments to remove accumulated sebum and pus.
- Â Â Light-based therapies, such as laser and photodynamic therapy (PDT), can target bacteria and inflammation, reducing acne lesions and preventing scarring.
