The cystic acne flare-ups are probably the most traumatic. Aside from how much surface area those suckers tend to cover, the pain they cause makes them impossible to ignore. Press on one and it reverberates throughout your entire face. (That’s not an exaggeration.)
While pimples come in many shapes, sizes, and forms, cystic acne is considered to be the most severe type of acne, according to board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. It’s characterized by the development of “tender, inflammatory nodules underneath the skin.” Ouch
Moreover, when it comes to treating these bad boys at home, your typical acne skin-care routine might not cut it. “Usually, people run to their dermatologist’s office for a quick cortisone injection to dry up those monsters within hours,” says Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
But what if you don’t have the time (or the money) to pop into your dermatologist’s office the moment you feel one coming on? Here are the next-best, at-home cystic acne treatments, and advice from top dermatologists for getting rid of those under-the-surface cysts ASAP.
When you feel it coming on, ice it like a sprained ankle to reduce swelling.
Whether the cystic acne is on your forehead or on your nose, the type of pimples we’re talking about here are rooted deep beneath the skin, so you will usually be able to feel it starting to form. When you do, don’t panic. Instead, grab an ice cube and apply it to the area for several seconds.
Read Full Story on allure.com