Are you struggling with a big acne cyst that popped up overnight ruining your day? Wondering when you'll start to see signs of healing?
Cysts (aka cystic acne) are large inflamed painful bumps that run deep under the skin’s surface. Healing is a gradual process that involves several stages. This article will break down the 7 stages of cystic acne healing from inflammation reduction to skin renewal. You’ll learn what to expect at each stage and how to support your skin’s healing process. We’ll discuss when to seek help from a dermatologist.
What are the Stages of Cystic Acne Healing?
- Understanding the stages of cystic acne healing helps track progress
- Each stage has distinct signs indicating the healing process
- Recognizing these stages allows for appropriate treatment adjustments
Each cystic acne lesion can take weeks to fully heal. This time frame depends on the size, depth and severity of the lesion. Smaller and more superficial lesions can heal in a couple of weeks. Larger and deeper lesions may take over a month to fully resolve.
It's important to note that even after the visible inflammation subsides, the healing process continues beneath the skin's surface. Several factors can influence how quickly individual cystic acne lesions heal:
Severity: Deeper and more inflamed lesions take longer to heal than milder ones.
Location: Lesions in areas with thicker skin (such as the back or chest) can heal slower than those on the face.
Treatment: Spot treatments can accelerate the clearing process.
Immune system: A strong immune system helps the body heal faster.
Consistency: Follow the instructions for the prescribed acne treatment to increase success rate.
Lifestyle factors: Managing stress, getting adequate sleep and exercise along with adopting a nutrient-rich, low-glycemic diet can support the body's healing process.
Stage 1: Inflammation
The first stage of cystic acne healing is inflammation starting to improve. During this stage you may notice redness and swelling around the area starts to go down. Also, the pain and tenderness of the cyst will start to lessen. To support this stage of healing:
- Don’t pick, pop or squeeze the pimple as this may worsen inflammation and prolong healing. This can also increase the risk of infection and scarring.
- Apply cold compresses or warm compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Use gentle, non-pore-clogging skincare products
Stage 2: Drainage
As the inflammation subsides, the cystic acne bump starts to shrink in size. This is a good sign that the healing process is fully underway. During this stage you may or may not notice pus coming out of the cyst.
- Continue to resist the urge to pick, pop, and squeeze.
- Spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help to shrink the cyst and prevent bacterial growth.
- Hydrocolloid patches are magic! They absorb excess fluid (such as pus) and protect the skin, allowing it time to heal.
Stage 3: Wound Healing
As the cyst heals, you may notice dryness or (in some cases) a small open wound. During this stage keep your skincare routine gentle. Avoid harsh scrubs or aggressive exfoliation as this can irritate the skin and disrupt the healing process. To support your skin during this stage:
- Continue to use hydrocolloid patches if your cyst has opened up. This will help protect the healing skin and speed up healing.
- Apply moisturizer to intact skin. Moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide help strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin hydration.
- Consistently apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect the skin from UV damage and help prevent hyperpigmentation
Stage 4: Pigmentation
As cystic acne lesions heal, you may notice pigmentation (red and/or brown) left behind. This is a normal part of the healing process and can last up to 6 months or longer.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) = brown spot
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) = red spot
While pigmentation changes can be annoying, remember they are temporary and will fade over time. To help the process along…
- Sun Screen! Sun Screen! Sun Screen! Consistent sun protection (SPF 30 or higher) is the best way to speed along the fading process! If you only do one thing…this is it!
- Topical treatments (i.e. tretinoin, vitamin C, etc.) may help to lighten dark spots.
- Chemical peels, microneedling, and lasers may help fade resistant pigmentation.
Stage 5: Renewal
As new healthy skin cells replace the damaged ones, your skin’s overall texture, color, and appearance will continue to improve. To support this stage of healing, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes:
- A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Regular exercise to promote circulation and reduce stress
- Avoid toxins such as smoking, alcohol, etc.
- Adequate sleep to allow your body and skin to repair and regenerate
- Consistent use of a gentle, nourishing skincare routine
Stage 6: Physical Scars (not all skin)
In some cases, cystic acne can leave behind a physical scar, not just discoloration. Scars may appear as depressed (atrophic) or raised (hypertrophic) areas on the skin. The severity and appearance of scars can vary depending on factors such as:
- The depth and size of the original lesion
- The individual's skin type and healing response
- The presence of secondary infections or trauma to the lesion
- Genetic predisposition to scarring
While scars can be emotionally challenging to deal with, there are various treatment options available to help minimize the appearance of scars and speed up the remodeling process. Depending on the severity of the scar, the following treatments may be effective:
- Topical silicone sheets to help flatten and soften raised scars
- Vitamin A derivatives (tretinoin or tazarotene) may slightly improve skin texture and promote cell turnover over time. This is best used as an “add-on” treatment.
- Dermal fillers to help plump up depressed scars
- Laser resurfacing or microneedling treatments stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of the scar
- Surgical procedures, such as punch excision or subcision, for more severe scars
Stage 7: Prevention
The path to clear skin is rarely a straight line. Setbacks and flare-ups are a normal part of the healing process and don't necessarily indicate treatment failure. The best way to avoid cystic acne is to prevent it from forming in the first place and Piction Health can help!
When to See a Professional for Cystic Acne
- Persistent acne despite consistent treatment
- Moderate to severe acne
- Stop seeing improvement after 3 months of using over-the-counter treatment
- Acne is causing scarring
- Mental health and quality of life is impacted
If any of the above apply to you, it may be time to seek professional help. A dermatologist at Piction Health can assess your skin and recommend prescription-strength treatments from the privacy of your laptop!
Remember, healing cystic acne is a journey, and everyone's path is different. Be patient with yourself and your skin, celebrate your progress, and don't hesitate to seek support when needed.
PICTION HEALTH VIRTUAL DERMATOLOGY
For convenient access to professional dermatology care, visit Piction Health's online dermatology platform. Our board-certified dermatologists are ready to provide personalized guidance for your dermatology concerns. We accept most insurance and self-pay. Schedule an online dermatology consultation today to take the first step towards healthier, happier skin.
FAQ
Q: What is cystic acne and how does it differ from other types of acne?
A: Cystic acne, also known as cysts, consists of large, inflamed, painful bumps deep beneath the skin's surface. Unlike regular acne, cystic acne is more severe and can be more painful, requiring a longer healing time and more specialized treatment
Q: How long does a cystic acne lesion take to heal?
A: The healing time for cystic acne lesions can vary greatly. Generally, smaller lesions may heal in 2-4 weeks, while larger, deeper lesions can take 4 weeks or longer to fully resolve.
Q:When should I see a dermatologist for my cystic acne?
A: You should consult a dermatologist if you’re experiencing one or more of the following:
- Persistent acne despite consistent treatment
- Moderate to severe acne
- Stop seeing improvement after 3 months of using over-the-counter treatment
- Acne is causing scarring
- Mental health and quality of life is impacted
Q:Where can I get help for my acne treatment options?
A: Piction Health, an online dermatology practice, accepts most insurance and self-pay options. They can assist you in navigating your acne treatment options.
Disclaimer
The information on this medical blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy, medical knowledge constantly evolves, and individual health situations vary. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The authors and publishers of this blog are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from using any suggestions, products, or procedures discussed in this blog.
