Cystic acne is one of the most severe form of acne. Its severity is due to the fact that cystic acne penetrates deeply inside the skin layers. The infection is much larger and more painful compared to regular forms of acne.

Acne cysts are formed when sebum cannot adequately flow to the surface of the skin. Lesions appear in the cells lining the walls of the sebum canals. When this happens the immune system responds rushing its army of defender cells that issue chemicals to destroy what is causing the damage: the sebum.

The skin pores also get clogged by the accumulation of excess sebum (oil) which becomes, in turn, a rich feeding ground for microbes that reside inside the skin follicles or on the surface of the skin. The cycle gets aggravated by the chemicals produced by the breakdown of sebum that happens while those microbes are feeding themselves on. Your defensive system continues sending its own defender chemicals that destroy everything there including functional cells and you are left with scars or tissue loss.

Retention keratosis worsens the condition. This happens when the skin cells specially those lining the gland are eliminated inadequately. Improper regeneration of cells leads to blocking of the skin follicles. Also, devitalized and flawed cells become an easy target for bacterial infections. The infection spreads to other follicles which increases the inflammation and redness. Localized swelling is also observed.

Hormonal imbalance only adds to the woes. Augmented production of sebum can produce frequent flare ups if the sebum ducts are not clear for the outflow to reach swiftly to the surface of the skin. The skin turns extremely sensitized and the cysts become susceptible to secondary infections. The lifestyle and the genetic background of a person also influence the severity of acne.

Acne cysts take a lot of time to cure since the infection is deep seated. Another issue with acne lesions or cysts is that they can lead to the formation of permanent scars. This happens due to sheer negligence on your part or careless treatment procedures. Ugly skin discoloration can also occur.

Medical treatment is the best way to get rid of cysts and lesions. Most dermatologists prescribe Isotretinoin for effective removal of the cysts and the lesions. This drug is marketed as Accutane, and is one of the popular acne drugs. The success rate of Accutane is as high as 80%. It works by reducing the size of the oil glands thereby controlling acne production. Severe side effects like depression and suicidal thoughts have been seen in some patients. The drug should not be taken by pregnant women as it can harm the overall development of the child.

Another treatment available is cortisone injections. They are extremely effective, painless and bring instant relief. Cortisone reduces the inflammation, swelling and redness. This therapy is called as the intra-lesional corticosteroid treatment and deals with curing acne lesions, cysts and scars.