Most commonly seen in teenage boys and young men, cystic acne is considered one of the worst breakouts to attack the skin. Perhaps you’ve inherited your less than smooth skin from the family tree or your teenage years aren’t treating you right, but cystic acne can strike anyone. Breakouts can cause damage and devastate healthy skin tissue, making home remedies for cystic acne a much-wanted solution for clear skin when over-the-counter or prescription medications prove too harsh.

What is Cystic Acne?

Developing on the face and other regions of the body, cystic acne (or nodulocystic acne) is the most severe form of acne vulgaris [1]. Characterized by deep, inflamed breakouts, the blemishes that follow are often large and can measure up to a couple of centimeters. Cystic acne causes soft lumps (called cysts) to form under the surface of skin. Bringing about great pain, cysts are filled with fluid containing white blood cells, dead cells, and bacteria [2].

Causes and Symptoms

There is no magic formula that creates cystic acne – the same factors that are at the root of other forms of acne are to blame: overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells in pores, and a high amount of acne-causing bacteria called Propionibacteria acnes. Ignore the myths that state eating candy and drinking soda has brought on your case of cystic acne. You’ve done nothing to cause your problematic skin. Cystic acne is usually an issue in patients who have parents that have battled the same condition, as hereditary plays an important role. Other factors associated with cystic acne include:

• Stress and hormonal changes – adolescence, menstruation, and pregnancy
• Excessive washing and scrubbing of the skin
• Squeezing and picking blemishes

Cystic Acne Home Remedies

From simple kitchen remedies to using fruit to rescue your skin, home remedies for cystic acne can help treat inflammation, soothe painful cysts, and prevent future breakouts. Below you will find a couple of suggestions for rebuilding healthy skin:

a) Baking Soda and Sea Salt:

Mix a small amount of baking soda with water and apply to affected areas no more than once or twice a week. Another remedy involving baking soda calls for the mixing of a small amount of baking soda and sea salt together with water to create a paste that treats inflamed cystic acne.

b) Apple Cider Vinegar:

Prevent future breakouts and stabilize the natural pH of your skin by applying apple cider vinegar as a toner.

c) Do Not Squeeze:

Resist the temptation to squeeze an acne cyst, as you will only increase your chances of suffering a deeper infection and painful inflammation. Additionally, the scars left behind are oftentimes irreversible.

d) Honey and Aspirin:

Clear your complexion by using honey and aspirin for a combination remedy. Crush an aspirin and mix with water until a paste is formed. Apply to the face and rinse off. The aspirin acts as an effective exfoliant. Follow-up with an application of honey, which offers a moisturizing, antibacterial treatment.

e) Egg White:

Some people have reported results in treating their cystic acne by applying egg whites to the skin.

f) Aloe:

Rubbing aloe vera juice on cysts may help speed up the healing process.

g) Mango:

Orange or yellow-orange fruits and vegetables have a reputation for replenishing the skin. Create a mango paste for your face to soften skin, achieve a natural glow, and open clogged pores that can lead to or worsen cystic acne.

h) Reduce Friction and Sweating:

Friction and excessive sweating can cause pores to become clogged and more susceptible to cystic acne. Reduce your chances by taking a break when bike helmets, backpacks, tight collars, or headbands are causing undue irritation to your skin.

i) Lemon Juice:

Mix lemon juice with water to treat the inflammation of cystic acne.

j) Say ‘No’ to Oil and Grease:

Using oily or greasy cosmetic products (even some sunscreens) can contribute to your cystic acne. Choose noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic cosmetic products to prevent a breakout.

k) Gentle Cleansing Habits:

Gently wash and cleanse affected areas a couple of times per day. Make sure to avoid drying out the skin and causing irritation.

l) Wash Off Make-Up:

Women, don’t forget to wash off all of your make-up before going to bed or you run the risk of clogging pores.

[1] http://acne.about.com/od/acnesymptoms/a/cystic.htm

[2] http://www.acne.org/types-of-acne.html