Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne. It forms deep underneath the skin and causes large, white bumps on the surface. You may have large pus-filled cysts or facial abscesses that cause facial swelling or lesions. Either of these can make you or your child feel self-conscious, but a dermatologist like Dr. Duarte of the Children’s Skin Center can help.
Facial Abscess Treatment
Sometimes, applying heat to a facial abscess will help reduce its size and may even help it drain. If this doesn’t work, your practitioner may need to drain the abscess or prescribe antibiotics – sometimes a combination of both.
Draining
During this procedure, the doctor will apply a numbing agent to the area and make a small incision in the abscess to allow it to drain. Once complete, the dermatologist will pack the drained abscess, which will help it heal. This also aids in preventing a recurrence. Lastly, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent an infection.
Prevention of Facial Abscesses
While you may still develop a skin abscess in some cases, you can minimize the chance of an infection by washing your hands frequently and minimizing touching your face. When you have bacteria on your hands, it’s possible to transfer it to your skin.
You should make sure you clean out any cuts or scrapes on your face with warm water and antibacterial soap. Additionally, you should make sure to apply an antibacterial ointment on the cut, which you can purchase over the counter. You also want to make sure to have a bandage on cuts on your face to prevent bacteria from entering.
Cystic Acne Treatment
If you have severe acne, it’s important to see a dermatologist. Standard acne treatments you find in a drug store aren’t potent enough. Through a dermatologist, you can receive topical retinol that will absorb through the skin to treat acne and prevent scarring.
When you see a dermatologist, the doctor may prescribe a medication like isotretinoin – a strong form of vitamin A that you take daily. It helps exfoliate your skin and penetrates to reach the cyst.
Prevention of Cystic Acne
One of the best ways to prevent cystic acne is washing your hands frequently and keeping your face clean of bacteria and germs. Another way to improve your skin is through healthy eating. Consume a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. You should also stay hydrated. By doing all of these things, you can reduce the severity of your cystic acne.
Why Choose Our Miami, FL Pediatric Dermatologist
As specialists in adult and pediatric skin problems, the providers at the Children’s Skin Center offer effective treatment options for all types of skin issues, including cystic acne. Our practitioners understand how skin problems can make people of all ages feel self-conscious and will do everything in their power to help.
Contact the Children’s Skin Center, serving Miami and various other locations in Florida, by calling 305-669-6555, or use our online appointment scheduling tool.
