For acne sufferers no acne type is a welcome addition to a complexion. We’ve all been there; we’ve all experienced it to some degree. Acne is an intrusion, an annoyance and can honestly be the difference between going out or staying in. If you suffer from severe acne, an outbreak may even cause you to withdrawal from daily activities such as work or school. One type of severe acne that can cause problems on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back is cystic or nodular acne. Not only is this acne severe, but it can lead to acne scarring.

Many are unaware of what classifies acne as cystic, and even more are uncertain of the difference between cystic acne and nodular acne.

What’s the Difference Between Cystic Acne and Nodular Acne

What exactly is the different between cystic acne and nodular acne? They are related in nature, and that’s because these two acne types are the same. In fact, when speaking with a physician about this severe acne type, it may likely be referred to as Nodulocystic acne. Cystic or nodular acne is different than most “zits and pimples” that scores of people experience. It can be painful, swelling to large proportions, and it lasts longer than acne that inflames and forms a head on the epidermis.

Unlike the acne inflammations that can be seen on the epidermis, commonly forming a whitehead or blackhead, cystic and nodular acne form deep in the dermis, the inner skin layer, not having a point of release for the build-up of sebum, dead skin cells and acne inducing bacteria. In fact the bacteria most common in causing these problems is most frequently referred to as P-acnes (Propionibacterium acnes).

The bacteria feeds off of the sebum in the hair follicle, and for individuals who experience a swelling of the sebaceous gland, the acne can develop within the skin, causing cystic and nodular acne to occur.

Problems Associated With Cystic and Nodular Acne

Nodulocystic acne is considered severe due to the difficulty to control and treat it, in addition to the damage it does to the skin. If you happen to suffer from cystic acne, it is highly recommended that you see a dermatologist to discuss an effective and efficient course of treatment. Nodulocystic acne is one of the leading causes of acne scarring, and if it is chronic in nature, it needs proper care from a physician.

Most dermatologists will offer a prescription to help gain control over chronic or occasional cystic and nodular acne breakouts. With a prescription it is also recommended to begin a gentle and thorough skin care regimen that aids the skin in fighting the development of all types of acne. While the prescription may vary based on each patient, the skin care regimen is something that can be prescribed universally.

Topical creams are useless in “spot treating” cystic acne; however, a regimen that helps in exfoliating the dead skin cells from the epidermis, while cleansing and treating the outer layer of skin can help to neutralize bacteria. Ultimately, this may help with the prevention of future breakouts on the surface level of the skin as well as removing some of the variables from the cause of severe nodulocystic acne.