Inflamed Acne: Cystic Acne and Other Types, Plus How to Get Rid of It (2024)

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What is inflamed acne?

When it comes to acne, all forms have one thing in common: clogged pores. It’s the substances and underlying causes of clogged pores that differentiate inflamed acne from non-inflamed acne.

Inflamed acne consists of swelling, redness, and pores that are deeply clogged with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells. Sometimes, bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can cause inflamed acne, too. Non-inflammatory acne, also called comedonal acne, is closer to the surface of the skin and doesn’t have a bacterial basis.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of inflammatory acne and find out which treatments actually work.

Different types of inflammatory acne require different treatments, so it’s important to start by correctly identifying the kind of inflammatory acne you have.

The main types include:

  • Inflamed comedones. These are swollen blackheads and whiteheads.
  • Papules. These small, pus-filled red bumps appear on your skin’s surface.
  • Pustules. These are similar to papules but larger in size.
  • Nodules. These small, pus-filled bumps lie below the surface of your skin.
  • Cysts. Cysts are the most severe type of inflamed acne. Like nodules, they sit below the surface of your skin. They’re filled with pus and are usually large and painful when touched.

While inflamed acne is common on the face, it can also affect your:

  • neck
  • chest
  • back
  • shoulders
  • upper arms
  • trunk

Inflamed acne can spread and eventually cause scarring, so it’s best to start treating it as soon as possible. Depending on the type of acne you have, your doctor might suggest starting with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments before moving on to stronger prescription treatments.

Talk to your dermatologist about all of the following options for inflamed acne treatment. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks for each treatment to take full effect.

OTC treatments

There are tons of OTC treatments for inflamed acne, which can make choosing one feel overwhelming. Here are three of the main ingredients you’ll likely find in these products:

  • Benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient works by killing off p. acnes that might be trapped in your pores, and reducing inflammation. It can be drying for your skin, so it’s best to use it as a spot treatment.
  • Salicylic acid. This ingredient has a shedding effect and removes dead skin cells from deep inside your pores. It can also help to break down inflamed acne lesions while preventing them from coming back. You can use it all over your skin, but make sure to follow up with a moisturizer, because it can cause dryness over time.
  • Sulfur. You’ll find this ingredient in many acne-treating products, but it works best for mild, non-inflamed acne. While it won’t make your inflamed acne worse, it probably won’t do much to treat it.

Start by adding a cleanser containing salicylic acid and a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment to your skincare routine. It may be a few months before you start to notice a difference. Keep in mind that inflamed acne doesn’t always respond to OTC treatment, especially if it’s widespread and reoccurring. If you’re not seeing a change after three months, consider seeing a dermatologist or asking your doctor for a referral to one.

Medical treatments

Depending on your symptoms, your dermatologist may recommend one or a combination of prescription medications or topical creams, including:

  • Topical retinoids.Retinoids are powerful vitamin-A derivatives that remove dead skin cells. While you might see them in some OTC anti-aging products, prescription-strength retinoids, such as Differin and Retin-A, are most effective for inflamed acne. Aside from some initial redness and peeling, retinoids also make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so make sure to wear sunscreen when using them.
  • Isotretinoin. Derived from vitamin A, this oral medication is one of the most powerful treatments prescribed for acne. It can cause a range of side effects, so it’s usually reserved for severe cases, usually those involving inflamed cystic acne, that don’t respond to retinoids. Avoid isotretoinoin if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or think you might become pregnant.
  • Oral antibiotics. If your dermatologist suspects that excessive p. acnes are causing your breakouts, they might prescribe a round of antibiotics. These are used temporarily to get the bacteria under control, usually in cases of widespread cystic acne.
  • Topical antibiotics. Unlike oral versions, you can only take for a short period of time, topical antibiotics can be used twice a day for up to two months. However, they aren’t as strong as oral antibiotics, so they’re best for less severe types of inflamed acne, including nodules, pustules, or papules.
  • Hormonal treatments. Some cases of inflamed acne are caused by hormonal imbalances. In these cases, your dermatologist may prescribe hormone-reducing medications. In addition, birth control pills work for some women who experience more inflamed acne before and during their menstrual cycles. Spironolactone, an anti-androgen medication, may also help with nodules and cystic acne caused by unusually high androgen levels.

If you don’t already have a dermatologist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

No inflamed acne treatment will work if you don’t properly care for your skin. Follow these tips to ensure you get the most out of the treatment options you try:

  • While you shouldn’t try to pop any type of acne lesion, this is especially important for inflamed acne. Doing so can increase inflammation and cause it to spread.
  • Wash your face morning and night with a gentle, gel-based cleanser.
  • Shower immediately after working out.
  • Follow your cleansing routine with an oil-free moisturizer, even if it feels counterintuitive. Skipping this step can deplete natural oils and water from your skin. In response, your sebaceous glands produce more oil, which leads to more acne.
  • Wear a sunscreen-based moisturizer or foundation every single day. While this will help to protect your skin from UV rays, it’s also a must if you’re using retinoids or other treatments that make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
  • If you wear makeup, look for oil-free and non-comedogenic options that won’t clog your pores or make your acne worse. Also, be sure to thoroughly remove your makeup before washing your face at night.

Treating inflamed acne can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Start by adopting a simple skincare routine that includes an oil-free moisturizer, gel-based cleanser, and benzoyl peroxide spot treatment. If you don’t notice any improvement after a few months, make an appointment with your doctor. There are several prescription treatments that can help when OTC ones don’t.

Inflamed Acne: Cystic Acne and Other Types, Plus How to Get Rid of It (2024)

FAQs

Inflamed Acne: Cystic Acne and Other Types, Plus How to Get Rid of It? ›

It can take three months or more to clear up acne cysts. Treatment often involves taking oral antibiotics and applying prescription-strength topical gels or creams to the skin. Cystic acne treatments include: Antibiotic creams, gels solutions and lotions to kill bacteria and decrease inflammation.

How to reduce acne inflammation fast? ›

Apply Ice to the Pimple:

Wrap some ice in a cloth and press it against the inflamed area for 3 to 4 minutes at a time. If the ice melts too quickly, throw a few cubes in a plastic sandwich bag before wrapping in cloth. Repeat several times throughout the day to soothe the skin and reduce swelling.

How to shrink a pimple in 5 minutes? ›

Wrapping ice cubes in a cloth and applying to the pimple for 5–10 minutes. Taking a break for 10 minutes, and then applying ice again for another 5–10 minutes. Applying a spot treatment that contains at least 2% benzoyl peroxide.

How do you make severe acne go away? ›

Many over-the-counter treatments contain retinoids. Topical anti-inflammatories, like dapsone gel, can also reduce acne. An oral prescription medication called spironolactone can reduce the effects of male hormones. Chemical peels and blue light therapies also help if you want to clear up acne more quickly.

Does inflammatory acne go away? ›

How long does inflamed acne last? Inflammatory acne can be stubborn, but many people achieve clearer skin with several months of skin care and treatment. Many cases require the help of a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist. However, inflammatory acne may leave permanent scars.

How to get clear skin? ›

Natural remedies for clear skin include regularly washing with gentle cleansers, using natural make-up products, and moisturizing. Staying hydrated and avoiding any foods that can trigger breakouts may also help.

What can I drink for inflamed acne? ›

Green tea may decrease acne lesions

Green tea contains potent antioxidants and has been shown to possess powerful anti-inflammatory effects ( 30 ). Research indicates that supplementing with green tea may benefit those with acne.

How to clear pimples overnight? ›

Effective Overnight Treatments for Pimples
  1. Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is available over-the-counter as a topical medicine and is also FDA-approved to treat acne breakouts. ...
  2. Salicylic Acid. ...
  3. OTC Steroid Cream. ...
  4. Other Over-the-Counter Treatments and Anti-Acne Ingredients. ...
  5. Ice. ...
  6. Tea Tree Oil. ...
  7. Green Tea. ...
  8. Topical Retinoids.
Jun 24, 2024

How to heal a cystic pimple overnight? ›

What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of a Cystic Pimple?
  1. Keeping the area very clean.
  2. Using topical spot treatments.
  3. Applying a cold compress to reduce inflammation.
  4. Using heat to help the skin heal the pimple from the inside.
Feb 27, 2023

What kills acne bacteria fast? ›

Benzoyl peroxide.

This ingredient kills bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. Benzoyl peroxide products that you can buy without a prescription are available in strengths from 2.5% to 10%.

What kills stubborn acne? ›

Isotretinoin: This is a potent medicine that attacks all four causes of acne—bacteria, clogged pores, excess oil, and inflammation (redness and swelling). About 85% of patients see permanent clearing after one course of isotretinoin.

Can acne be 100% cured? ›

Most people see clearing, but it's not 100%.

Studies show that lasers and other light treatments can reduce acne. Rarely can these treatments alone clear acne. To give you the best results, your dermatologist may recommend using another acne treatment, such as medicine that you apply to your skin.

Does ice help acne? ›

Ice for acne

Advocates of using skin icing to treat acne suggest it can slow down inflammation and minimize skin pores to reduce excessive oil production. Due to its anti-inflammatory nature , ice is more likely to help inflammatory acne, such as: cysts.

How to pop cystic acne? ›

While a cystic pimple heals, it is important to be gentle with the skin. Do not try to pop, pick, or squeeze a cystic pimple. It may be tempting, but popping a pimple can introduce more bacteria to the pore, slow healing, drive the infection deeper into the skin, and increase the chance of scarring.

Why did my acne get so bad? ›

For the most part, the same factors that cause acne in adolescents are at play in adult acne. The four factors that directly contribute to acne are: excess oil production, pores becoming clogged by "sticky" skin cells, bacteria, and inflammation. diet, which can influence inflammation throughout the body.

How long does it take for pimple inflammation to go down? ›

An infected pimple will usually clear up after a few weeks without the need for medical treatment. In severe cases, however, more invasive treatments may be necessary to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

How do you drain inflamed acne? ›

Place warm compresses on the pimple: Gently place a clean, warm, wet washcloth on the area for about 10 minutes, several times a day. But make sure the washcloth isn't too hot. The warm washcloth helps pus dissolve or rise to the surface. Use topical treatments: Benzoyl peroxide products kill bacteria.

What is better for inflammatory acne? ›

While you might see them in some OTC anti-aging products, prescription-strength retinoids, such as Differin and Retin-A, are most effective for inflamed acne. Aside from some initial redness and peeling, retinoids also make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so make sure to wear sunscreen when using them.

How do you get rid of inflammation after acne? ›

Skincare ingredients like niacinamide and azelaic acid can be effective treatments for post inflammatory erythema. Niacinamide is a potent anti-inflammatory that can reduce redness and improve skin barrier function.

References

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