What Are Cysts?

Cysts, also referred to as cystic acne, are the result of the most serious form of acne producing larger lesions. These painful bumps form underneath the layers of the epidermis as a result of bacteria, sebum production, dead skin cells, and hormonal fluctuations. Although anyone can develop cystic acne, it is most common in those with oily skin types, teens, women, and adults who are have a hormonal imbalance.

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Why You Shouldn’t Try to Pop Cystic Acne on Your Own

Cystic acne, however, produces deep, painful spots that occur in the deeper layers of your dermis. While it may be tempting to try to pop these blemishes, this causes far more harm than good. When you do this, the oil and bacteria in the cyst can spread to other areas causing new breakouts to form, wreaking havoc on your skin.

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How are Cysts Treated?

While you can treat the occasional pimple at home using over-the-counter remedies, persistent cysts should be treated by the experts. Treatment for cystic acne typically includes one of the following:

Retinol

When applied topically, retinol works by speeding cell-turnover, preventing pores from becoming clogged. Topical retinoids that may be prescribed include Differin, Retin-A, and Tazorac.

Antibiotics

If the cysts are caused by bacteria and inflammation and cover a large area of your skin, an antibiotic can help kill off the presence of this bacteria, clearing your skin in the process.

Oral Contraceptives

Since cysts are often caused by intense hormone fluctuations in adolescent girls and women, oral contraceptives can normalize hormone levels and prevent further cysts from appearing.

Accutane

A powerful form of vitamin A which is taken in pill form, Accutane, or Isotretinoin, is effective in improving or even removing the appearance of cysts in 85 percent of people who take it.

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Belmont

974 SouthPoint Road, Suite D
Belmont NC 28012

Phone: 704-755-8020

Fax: 704-755-8021

Charlotte/Blakeney

5815 Blakeney Park Drive, Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28277

Phone: 704-542-2220

Fax: 704-542-3304

Charlotte/Cotswold

309 S. Sharon Amity Road, Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28211

Phone: 704-344-8846

Fax: 704-344-9844

Denver

7476 Waterside Loop Road #600
Denver, NC 28037

Phone: 704-601-4381

Fax: 704-822-5997

Forest City

651 Withrow Road
Forest City, NC 28043

Phone: 828-288-1204

Fax: 828-288-1205

Gastonia/937 Cox Road

937 Cox Road
Gastonia, NC 28054

Phone: 704-898-8014

Fax: 704-898-8018

Gastonia/959 Cox Road

959 Cox Road
Gastonia, NC 28054

Phone: 704-866-7576

Fax: 704-866-0106

Hickory/Tate Blvd. Building 100

315 19th St. SE, Building 100
Hickory, NC 28602

Phone: 828-325-9849

Fax: 828-325-9879

Hickory/Tate Blvd. Building 200

315 19th St. SE, Building 200
Hickory, NC 28602

Phone: 828-328-3500

Fax: 828-328-8777

Huntersville

13539 Reese Blvd W.
Huntersville, NC 28078

Phone: 704-892-4878

Fax: 704-892-7453

Shelby

105 Delta Park Drive
Shelby, NC 28150

Phone: 704-484-0464

Fax: 704-482-0308

Map of Locations

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