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Conditions
Skin conditions
Cystic acne

Cystic acne

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Acne cysts are large nodules developing deep within the dermis, or second layer of skin. They are painful, disfiguring, and may cause deep scars. There is often a genetic predisposition to cystic acne. Treatment usually requires systemic medication including oral isotretinoin, and should be started early, before the scarring is established.

Dr. Linda Spencer reviewed this

38 year experience in Dermatology

How long it usually lasts:

Chronic (lasts years to lifelong)

Body locations

Face

Symptoms

Pimples
Skin irritation
Skin nodules
Skin redness or irritation
Skin lump or bumps

Medications

Ratings show how effective doctors think these medications are at treating Cystic acne
Doxycycline
4
21 reviews
Isotretinoin
4
12 reviews
Tretinoin
3.9
12 reviews
Minocycline
3.8
14 reviews
Adapalene
3.5
8 reviews
Load more

Procedures

Ratings show how effective doctors think these procedures are at treating Cystic acne

Surgery

Acne laser therapy
2.9
7 reviews

Tests

Free and total testosterone
Aerobic and anaerobic culture

Risk factors

Personal

Stress

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