What is cystic acne?

Cystic, or nodulocystic acne, is a rare but severe form of acne that develops mostly in young men. It appears as cysts, either singly or as multiple cysts on the chest, face, back and shoulders, which can be several centimeters in diameter. The cysts result from inflammation of lesions that are either papular or nodular and are usually filled with yellow pus.

The condition can cause scarring and is generally painful, and managing symptoms can be difficult. Left untreated, cystic acne can also develop into acne conglobate, another severe form of acne characterized by connected nodules of cysts underneath the skin.

People are more likely to develop acne, in general, if their parents had the skin condition; if they have a diet high in fat, sugar and caffeine; if they are going through hormonal changes; or if they are under a lot of stress.

Treatment for cystic acne is more aggressive than treatment for milder forms of acne. A dermatologist may prescribe corticosteroids, antibiotics or isoretinoin — a retinoid that helps dramatically reduce the size of oil glands, this reducing the production of oil and growth of bacteria.

Reference:

http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/severeacne4types.html#4.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/Acne/default.asp#acne_h.