Severe acne is quite simply characterized by scaring, cysts, inflammation and redness of the skin near the breakouts. This type of acne is far less common but still does occur in a large number of teens and adults a like. This type of acne should be treated with the guidance and help of a dermatologist because over the counter treatments are not effective to this degree. Severe acne like this requires a strict and disciplined skin regime that cannot be strayed from in order to see the healing of your skin begin. This type of acne can require years of treatment in some cases but if taken control of early on, this does not have to be the case.

The most common form of physical and prescription treatments used by dermatologists today include:

• Drainage and surgical excision.
• Interlesional corticosteroid injection.
• Isotretinoin.
• Oral antibiotics.
• Oral contraceptives.

Some large cysts do not respond to medical treatments and therefore drainage becomes the last option. This is something that should not be attempted by the patients as dermatologists have been properly trained to perform this type of acne surgery. By attempting to drain your cyst through picking or popping your acne you are only further damaging your skin and spreading the acidic bacteria to other parts of your skin which will then become inflamed as well. When acne cysts become severely inflamed there are a good chance it will rupture and this will without a doubt cause permanent scaring. To treat acne of this level of severity dermatologists may inject such cysts with a much-diluted corticosteroid. This works by melting the cyst over a period of 4-5 days. In regards to prescriptive medication, severe cystic acnehas more than likely rejected many of the over the counter treatments which is why dermatologists generally prescribe a man-made form of vitamin A through pills. These pills are taken 1-2 times per day for 16-20 weeks and the results can be incredible. No matter which one of these treatment options you and your dermatologist decide on you will find you are required to maintain constant appointments with your specialist so they can analyze you and your skin to make sure not severe side effects or reactions have taken place. These types of acne treatments are quite intense and for many people, side effects do occur, although they are not life threatening. Take the precautions suggested by your dermatologist to maintain good health and enjoy the benefits of these life altering acne treatments.