Skin care
12 Major Hair and Skin Issues -- Solved!
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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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