How to Get Rid of Cystic Pimples: Causes, Solutions, and Treatments

What Are Cystic Pimples?

Cystic acne forms when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin, and bacteria, but the inflammation is much deeper under the skin, leading to large, red, painful bumps called cysts. These can sometimes cause scarring if untreated.

Causes of Cystic Pimples

• Excess oil production

• Hormonal fluctuations (especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy)

• Bacterial infection inside clogged pores

• Genetics

• Stress and diet (sometimes)

• Improper skincare or picking at acne

How to Treat Cystic Pimples

1. Do NOT Pick or Squeeze

• Picking worsens inflammation, spreads bacteria, and increases scarring risk.

2. Use a Gentle Cleanser

• Cleanse your face twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser.

3. Apply Topical Treatments

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Reduces bacteria and inflammation.

• Salicylic Acid: Helps unclog pores and exfoliate dead skin.

• Topical Retinoids (e.g., Adapalene, Tretinoin): Promote skin cell turnover and prevent new cysts.

Note: For cystic acne, retinoids are very effective but can be irritating at first.

4. Consider Oral Medications

• Antibiotics: Reduce bacteria and inflammation.

• Oral Contraceptives: Help regulate hormones in women.

• Isotretinoin (Accutane): Powerful medication for severe cystic acne prescribed by dermatologists.

5. Spot Treatments

• Use treatments with sulfur or tea tree oil as natural anti-inflammatory agents.

6. Ice the Area

• Applying ice wrapped in a cloth can reduce swelling and pain.

7. See a Dermatologist

• For severe or persistent cystic acne, professional treatment is often necessary.

• Dermatologists can do cortisone injections to quickly reduce cyst size and pain.

Prevention Tips

• Maintain a consistent skincare routine.

• Avoid heavy, oily makeup or skincare products.

• Manage stress and eat a balanced diet.

• Don’t overwash your face, which can irritate skin

What Are Cystic Pimples?

Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterized by large, inflamed, painful bumps deep under the skin. These occur when pores are blocked by excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection deep in the skin (American Academy of Dermatology).

Causes of Cystic Acne

• Excess Sebum Production: Overactive oil glands produce too much oil, which clogs pores .

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Androgens increase during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), stimulating oil production (Cleveland Clinic).

• Bacterial Infection: Propionibacterium acnes bacteria infect clogged pores, causing inflammation.

• Genetics: Family history can increase susceptibility

• Lifestyle Factors: Stress and diet (high glycemic foods, dairy) may worsen acne

Treatments for Cystic Pimples

1. Avoid Picking or Squeezing

• Picking can spread bacteria, worsen inflammation, and cause scars (American Academy of Dermatology).

2. Gentle Cleansing

• Cleanse twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt without irritating skin .

3. Topical Medications

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills bacteria and reduces inflammation (Cleveland Clinic).

• Salicylic Acid: Helps exfoliate skin and clear clogged pores (Healthline).

• Topical Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene): Promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores (American Academy of Dermatology).

4. Oral Medications (For Severe Cases)

• Oral Antibiotics: Reduce bacteria and inflammation.

• Oral Contraceptives: Regulate hormones in females

• Isotretinoin (Accutane): Highly effective but with potential side effects; prescribed by dermatologists

5. Cortisone Injections

• Dermatologists can inject corticosteroids directly into cysts to reduce inflammation and speed healing (Healthline).

6. Home Remedies

• Applying ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling.

• Spot treatments with sulfur or tea tree oil (anti-inflammatory properties), but use with caution (Cleveland Clinic).

Prevention Tips

• Maintain a consistent skincare routine.

• Use non-comedogenic and oil-free products.

• Avoid excessive scrubbing or harsh products.

• Manage stress and consider diet modifications.

• See a dermatologist for persistent or severe acne.

What Are Cystic Pimples?

Cystic pimples are large, painful acne lesions that develop deep beneath the skin’s surface. They occur when pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection.

Causes of Cystic Pimples

• Overproduction of oil (sebum)

• Hormonal fluctuations (puberty, menstruation, pregnancy)

• Bacterial infection (Propionibacterium acnes)

• Genetics

• Stress and diet factors

• Using comedogenic skincare or makeup products

Solutions and Treatments for Cystic Pimples

1. Avoid Picking or Squeezing

Picking worsens inflammation, spreads bacteria, and increases scarring risk.

2. Gentle Cleansing

• Cleanse twice daily using a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser.

• Look for cleansers with salicylic acid to help unclog pores.

3. Topical Treatments

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.

• Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates inside the pores and removes dead skin cells.

• Retinoids (e.g., Adapalene, Tretinoin): Increase skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.

4. Oral Medications (For Moderate to Severe Cases)

• Oral Antibiotics: Reduce bacteria and inflammation.

• Oral Contraceptives: Help regulate hormones in females.

• Isotretinoin (Accutane): Highly effective for severe cystic acne but requires dermatologist supervision.

5. Cortisone Injections

Dermatologists can inject corticosteroids directly into cysts to rapidly reduce inflammation and pain.

6. Home Care Tips

• Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain.

• Use spot treatments with sulfur or tea tree oil for mild anti-inflammatory effects.

7. Consistent Skincare Routine

• Use oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers.

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect healing skin.

When to See a Dermatologist

• If cystic pimples persist or worsen despite home treatments.

• For prescription medications or procedures like chemical peels, laser therapy, or cortisone injections.

• To minimize scarring and manage severe acne effectively.