Why Do You Have Cystic Acne On Chin And How To Treat It Effectively?

It’s bad enough that you get acne on your face, but you know what’s worse than that? Those giant, painful, red bumps that appear on your chin and jawline! These are not just normal pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads that do not emerge completely. They are a totally different type of acne called cystic acne.

Unlike normal acne, cystic acne goes deeper and because they are often huge and painful, impossible to ignore. If you have cystic acne on chin, keep reading to know more about the condition and how to safely get rid of it.

1. What Is Cystic Acne?

It is the most severe of all forms of acne. Cystic acne forms when a cyst or benign sac-like structure filled with fluid or pus develops deep under the skin. This can be due to bacterial infection, clogging of oil glands, or the accumulation of dirt, oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells trapped in your big pores.

The result is a sore, inflamed, painful pustule. Cystic acne on chin can occur in the form of individual bumps, a few clustered bumps, or a breakout. Because of their nature, they are also harder to treat or remove. Handling or treating them improperly may lead to ugly cystic acne scars and blemishes.

2. What Causes Cystic Acne?

While the exact cause of cystic acne on chin is currently still unknown, several factors trigger its formation.

a) Hormones

One of the major factors associated with cystic acne is a group of hormones called androgens.

Androgens include testosterone and other steroid-based hormones. In teenagers, increased levels of androgens lead to excessive oil production, clogging of comedones pores, and acne.

In women, hormonal imbalance, shifts, or irregularities brought about by their menstrual cycles, menopause, pregnancy, or a condition termed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to cystic acne.

Usually, cystic appears on the face, back, shoulders, upper arms, or chest. Of all facial areas, the jawline and the chin are most common where people, especially adults and women, get hormonal cystic acne.

b) Genes

Genetics also play a role so if your parents or older siblings had cystic acne, you have a higher chance of getting it, too.

3. Who Gets Cystic Acne?

Teenagers and people in their early 20’s are the most at risk of developing cystic acne. However, it can appear on children as young as 8 years old or as old as 50 years. Cystic blemishes can also occur in both men and women but tend to be much more severe in men. People with oily skin are also more prone to cystic acne because excess oil tends to trap dead skin cells, dirt, and acne-causing bacteria.

Treatment For Cystic Acne: Fortunately, whatever the cause of your cystic acne, there are many cystic acne cures available. Cystic acne can typically persist for years and improve on their own. However, the bumps are stubborn and won’t go away on their own. They can also affect large portions of your skin, affect your confidence, and leave permanent marks.

If you have cystic acne on chin or anywhere, it’s better not to wait them out. Consult your dermatologist to help you organize a treatment plan. Treatment options for cystic acne include the following:

a) Cortisone Injections.

Cortisone injections are administered by dermatologists for people who are seeking fast solutions on how to get rid of a cystic pimple. This quickly dries up cystic acne within a few hours, according to Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a New York-based dermatologist from the Schweiger Dermatology Group.

RELATED: Different Types Of Acne, Learn What Acne Type You Have & Its Treatment

4. How To Shrink a Cystic Pimple:

a) Ice or cold compress:

Dr. Nazarian also suggests placing an ice cube directly onto your pimple which will help to shrink your pores. After several seconds, the small blood vessels that supply the cyst with constrict. This will relieve the redness, soothe the inflammation, and decrease its size. However, it cannot completely get rid of acne.

b) Prescription Medications:

Unfortunately, over-the-counter medicines used to treat mild acne often have little to no effect and are just not strong enough for cystic acne. Instead, the following are recommended:

Oral Antibiotics to reduce inflammation and control bacterial growth. You can also use other anti-inflammatory drugs. However, antibiotics cannot address excess oil and dead skin cells.

Birth control pills to assist in regulating hormone balance

Prescription-strength, gels, lotions, and creams that contain retinoid, a form of Vitamin A that cleans out the pores and helps antibiotics deliver their effects. Pure topical retinoids as spot treatments are also an option.
Low concentration alpha-hydroxy acids also help treat scarring and exfoliate the skin to reveal brighter skin.

5. Anti Cyst Treatment

Acne Cyst Treatment is for to clear away bumps and accelerate healing.

a) Isotretinoin pills taken once or twice a day for five months help give most people a clear skin completely and permanently. Otherwise, treatment can be repeated if acne comes back.

b) Spironolactone to drain unnecessary water from cells and remove cystic acne in women. Note, however, that this can cause birth defects so do not take it if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

c) Combination Approach When individual treatments do not work, your dermatologist may suggest a cocktail of acne products. For example, Leyda Bowes of Bowes Aesthetics in Miami says that a cream with sulfur, another with benzoyl peroxide, and a mild cortisone cream are very effective in significantly reducing the cyst’s size when mixed together and applied twice to thrice a day for seven to ten days straight.

Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York also suggests using a hydrocortisone cream to relieve inflammation, 2% salicylic acid to remove excess oil, and benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria. The use of gentle exfoliants to clean out clogged pores is also recommended.

6. Prevention And Skin Care Tips

The following tips might help you manage, treat, and prevent cystic acne on chin:

A) Do not touch, poke, or pick at them because this might spread or push the infection deeper.

B) Avoid popping cystic acne, as this can make it worse and leave acne scars.

C) Avoid stress as it triggers hormonal release, which can aggravate acne.

D) Get enough sleep and exercise.

E) Eat a low-glycemic diet and limit your sugar intake. Avoid rice, pasta, and bread.

F) Follow a regular skin care routine. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil in the evening
or after workout. Do not use harsh, drying soaps and scrubs.

G) Choose oil-free and non-comedogenic makeup and skin care products.

H) Remove all of your makeup before going to bed.

I) Since acne medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, wear sunscreen of at least an SPF of 30 every day.

Although cystic acne on chin is a pesky, painful, and unsightly skin problem, there are many ways to treat it or reduce its severity. If you have cystic acne, follow the given tips, consult your dermatologist, or do your own research to find out the best treatment option suitable for your needs.

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