12 Major Hair and Skin Issues -- Solved!
Get help for everything from cystic acne, bad hair, oily skin, psoriasis and more
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Cystic Acne
How it happens: Waldorf explains that, "Cysts occur when the sebaceous follicle [or your pore, in laymen’s terms] containing skin cells, sebum [or oil], bacteria and white cells ruptures." This spreads inflammation to the surrounding skin and then your body tries to wall that off. It becomes like a balloon of inflammation. "That's why you should not try to pop them -- you'll just spread the inflammation further," she says.
How to treat it in the short term: "The fastest way to treat individual cysts is with an injection of … corticosteroid by the dermatologist," Waldorf says. The cyst will usually go away in a couple days after being injected. If you can't get to a dermatologist, Waldorf says you can try a benzoyl peroxide or sulfur/resorcinol spot treatment, but know that it will take longer to disappear. (Try: Clean & Clear Maximum Strength Persa-Gel 10, $6.30 or Proactiv Refining Mask, $28.)
How to treat it in the long term: If you have frequent cystic acne, Waldorf says oral antibiotics and topical retinoids can be helpful. Other options include hormonal therapies like oral birth control pills. A dermatologist will be able to prescribe these medications and monitor your situation.
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Products Mentioned in This Story
Proactiv Refining Mask
Average Member Rating: 7.5
Dermalogica ChromaWhite TRx System
Average Member Rating: 9.5
Marco Pelusi Marco Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner with Collagen Color Guard
Average Member Rating: 8.4
TRESemme Detangle Leave-In Spray
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Head & Shoulders Classic Clean 2-in-1
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This may seem gross, but another way to fight dandruff is by applying yogurt to your hair about once a week and washing it off in the shower...it really works.
by thereal_deal Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 06:43AM Report as inappropriate
Interesting topics in this atricle
by TBjunkie Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11:54PM Report as inappropriate
Dandruff is caused by a reaction to the fungus malassezia globosa (which is actually on everyone's scalp, but only about 50 percent of the population reacts to it). The reaction can cause redness, itching, flakes and oiliness. Oh wow, I did not know that, thanks for sharing these great tips!
by MissXu Sunday, April 8, 2012 at 02:22PM Report as inappropriate
persa-gel is a life saver
by theseattlesound Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 07:44PM Report as inappropriate
I just used the Proactive refining mask a couple of nights ago and it made my face feel so fresh afterwards.
by beautybody Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 09:51PM Report as inappropriate
I'm guilty of the botched hair color, having gone too dark once. The dish soap really helps lighten it up but I had to do it every day for about a week and it really dried out my hair so I had to use conditioner generously.
by blaquemilque Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 10:11PM Report as inappropriate
I fight both cystic acne and acne scars so this story was very informative!
by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 12:18PM Report as inappropriate
