
These shots, although not the best option for widespread nodulocystic acne, are effective at clearing one lesion or a small number of acne lesions. Intralesional Steroid Shots (Cortisone Shots)įor a single nodule or cyst, an injection of steroids, such as cortisone, directly into the lesion can almost immediately reduce inflammation and begin healing. Oral antibiotics cannot be taken with isotretinoin because this combined therapy may cause a buildup of pressure inside the skull, which can be damaging. Unfortunately, nodulocystic acne may redevelop after the antibiotic usage is stopped. Oral antibiotics are only a short-term treatment approach, as they can only be used for 3 - 6 months. Oral antibiotics are a less effective treatment option for people with nodulocystic acne, but may be somewhat effective for such patients with only a few nodules or cysts.Oral steroids can be prescribed to nodulocystic acne patients for the first 2 - 4 weeks to reduce inflammation quickly before beginning isotretinoin treatment.It is a serious decision that must be considered carefully alongside a trusted physician. Accutane® (isotretinoin) is the most aggressive treatment option for people with widespread and severe nodules and cysts, but comes with severe side effects, including birth defects, and works by permanently changing the body.Prescription medication options for nodulocystic acne include: There are several nodulocystic acne treatment options that can help clear it without permanently damaging the skin. Unsuccessfully popping a severe lesion can increase the risk of scarring. When you prick or cut the surface of the skin, you can increase the risk of infection.
MASSIVE CYSTIC ACNE POPPING SKIN
When you try to "force" a lesion to pop, this can wound the skin further. Overall, cystic acne should never be popped because: If the pus is pushed farther into the skin, it can result in more skin damage, infection, and scarring.

However, the pus is deep under the skin, and if an attempt is made to pop a cyst, it will most likely push the pus deeper into the skin instead of onto the surface. Unlike nodules, cysts do contain pus, and can sometimes leak onto the surface of the skin.

Your doctor may also opt to apply extreme cold to the lesion (cryotherapy), which can also help it heal. This will quickly reduce inflammation and help prevent scarring. Instead of squeezing cystic acne lesions, it is better to see a dermatologist for a quick cortisone shot directly into the lesion. However, they are not "poppable." If an attempt is made to pop a cyst, it will likely cause the pus to be expelled deeper into the skin, instead of onto the surface, and this will result in more inflammation, skin damage, and scarring. They are fibrous lesions with no pus, so there is nothing to "pop." If you do attempt to pop a nodule, it will only result in more inflammation, skin damage, and more extensive scarring.Ĭysts: Cysts are much less common than nodules, but do contain pus. Nodules: Nodules are the most common type of cystic acne lesion. Although it is OK to pop less severe types of acne, like pustules (run-of-the-mill "zits" with a white or yellow center), nodules and cysts should never be popped. Cystic acne lesions include nodules and cysts, which are large, painful lesions more than 5 millimeters in diameter.
