Pros and Cons of Popular Cystic Acne Treatments

Cystic acne is an incessant skin disease suffered by 50 million Americans, regardless of ethnicity, skin color and gender. The odds are that one out of seven people you pass by everyday has or had acne breakout at least once in his or her life. Usually concurrent with adolescence, the condition starts to disappear at the age of 20 with or without any form of medication but may also continue to worsen until midlife due to continuous infection or the influence of biological traits. The medical community sees it as a normal part of human development, and indeed, the statistics fully agree.

However, there is no reason for you to take part of the embarrassment and extreme blow to self-confidence that acne brings. There are scientific and practical approaches to curing this skin condition that are proven effective on many people. Effectiveness differs from person to person but by choosing a well-known and commonly used cystic acne treatment, you might stumble upon a permanent solution towards a clearer and beautiful skin.

Non-Invasive Dermatological Treatments

These treatments refer to medically accepted procedures and solutions done by dermatologists and licensed skin experts. Anything that does not require surgery is classified under them, including cosmetic products, dermabrasion, medications and phototherapy. More than 80% of available and advisable treatments fall under this category.

1. Cosmetic Products

The application of cosmetic products is the most convenient method as these products are widely available even without prescriptions. These include astringents, special moisturizers, anti-acne facial creams, pimple sticks and masks. People, with or without acne, are using similar products for skin care management, making cosmetic product the most common treatment among the bunch.

            Pros:

·         The most affordable medically approved treatments.

·         Widely sold with great range to choose from.

·      With formulation not limited to acne but for all skin diseases and age-related conditions as well.

Cons:

·         Often accompanied by self-medication which experts strongly advise against.

·         Most skin complications occur from the use of these products.

·         Too abrasive for many types of skins, often resulting to more pustules.

·         Hundreds of brands are proven to be nothing but hypes and market hoaxes.

2. Dermabrassion

Dermabrasion is a medical procedure exclusively done by licensed skin clinics due to the risks of the procedure. By using a combination of abrasive solution and dermatological apparatus, the procedure forcefully peels (or technically, sands) all developing nodules and scars left by past acne and other skin damages.

            Pros:

·         Has higher rate of efficacy compared to the use of chemical solutions alone.

·         May only take a single or less than six sessions.

·         Does not only eliminate pimples but non-acne related skin damages as well.

Cons:

·         Generally expensive.

·         Very painful and may require general anesthetics.

·         After-swelling takes longer to heal, same as that of surgeries.

·         Results may take several weeks to months to appear.

3. Medications

The trend in treating cystic acne leans towards medications and homeopathic treatments, which include the use of herbal medicines and natural food supplements. Nonetheless, medication generally refers only to dermatologist-approved medicines such as the use of antibiotics, hormones, retinoids, antiseptics, anti-inflammatory drugs and the most preferred benzoyl peroxide.

Some of them require a doctor’s prescription, like in the case of using corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, tazarotene and isotretinoin, while over-the-counter medications include most brands of benzoyl peroxide, hydroxyquinoline and vitamins. Consumers usually prefer these medications due to their multiple benefits to the overall health, skin health and weight management.

            Pros:

·         Produces smooth skin, boosts health and boasts high percentage of efficacy.

·         Medically favored.

Cons:

·         Requires long-term maintenance.

·         Needs ingestion which means higher risk (but not necessarily side-effects).

·         May take quite some time to take effect.

4. Phototherapy

When it comes to technological advancement, phototherapy carries the most innovations. Done with the use of scientifically altered light, it specifically targets follicles or the roots of infection through its in-depth penetration, while at the same time, cleanse dead skin cells, leaving an acne-free skin. The famous laser treatments belong to this group.

            Pros:

·         Records high percentage of effectiveness.

·         Results show up faster.

·         Absolutely painless.

·         Only takes few sessions.

·         Solves majority of skin problems, aside from acne vulgaris.

Cons:

·         Generally expensive.

·         The effect on cystic acne depends on the skin type.

Invasive Dermatological Treatment

Surgeries are often resorted for extremely severe cystic acne cases. The type of surgery may depend on the extent of skin damage and infection caused by the condition. Although all invasive procedures must be practiced by licensed medical practitioners, not all surgeries aimed at solving acne are dermatologically-approved solutions.

Surgical lancing is the most commonly used procedure where incisions are made to drain the nodular build-up (always with clogging pustules and pus secretion of the glands).

            Pros:

·         Might be the best option for severe inflammations.

·         Can be more effective by working from within the glands.

Cons:

·         Highly expensive.

·         Does not guarantee results on all cases.

·         Comes with high health risks.