Cystic acne can be challenging to treat, it is basically a hard and painful bump that roots down below the skin’s surface. While acne patches can be useful for treating various types of pimples, since most common acne patch contain hydrocolloid as key ingredient and it help in absorbing acne fluid and impurities. These popular patches may not be good for cystic acne. In this blog post, we’ll clear the truth and myth about cystic acne, how to treat it effectively, and most importantly; learn how to effectively use acne patch for cystic acne.
What is cystic acne?
Cystic acne is a severe type of acne, while typical acne is rooted on the surface-level of your skin, cystic acne is rooted deeper – much more than the pustules or blackheads. They are inflamed cysted that develop under the skin due to excessive oil production, dead skin cells, and bacteria obstructing the pore.
A few things that can cause cystic acne are hormones, genetics, diet, and stress. It is impossible to change or control your hormones or genetics, but diet and stress can be controlled through your lifestyle choice. Research shows that diets that feature a lot of high glycemic index foods can aggravate cystic acne, as well as your dairy intake. Wearing heavy makeup for a long period of time can also worsen cystic acne.
Acne patch for cystic acne
In most simple terms, we can differentiate acne patch into 2 types, hydrocolloid and non-hydrocolloid, both are starkly different in the way they treat acne problems.
Hydrocolloid acne patch
The most popular types of pimple patch. When applied to the pimple, they will draw out the pus and impurities, reducing inflammation and flattening the irritated pimple. This type of patch works best on typical blemish that root close to the skin’s surface, like whiteheads.
Non-Hydrocolloid acne patch
These acne patches use micro-vector, also known as microneedle, technology. A self-dissolving needle contains active ingredients used for treating deeper rooted acne. Like Tarel Salix+ Micro-vector Patch, this formula integrates powerful solutions to combat more severe and stubborn pimples like papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. It contains herbal extracts, salicylic acid, and zinc.
The most suitable acne patch for cystic acne is the non-hydrocolloid or micro-vector pimple patch. (such as salicylic acid) Since it is better to not push the infection to the surface and cause wider inflamed area. Although, we encourage you to keep an eye out for dryness or irritation, because salicylic acid may know for its effectiveness against acne, overuse can result in skin irritation and dryness. In some cases, it might even trigger purging, especially if your skin is not accustomed to it.
How to deal with cystic acne?
1. Consult a dermatologist
Consulting with professional healthcare should be your first step on dealing with cystic acne. They can accurately diagnose the severity of your condition and suggest a customized treatment plan for your problem.
2. Manage and balance your lifestyle
Stress can cause and aggravate current cystic acne condition. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, where you get enough sleep, proper hydration, and regular exercise, can help the process of your acne treatment.
3. Avoid picking and touching the area
Picking or squeezing cystic acne can cause further inflammation and increase the risk of scarring. It is better not to touch the area entirely.
4. Suitable skincare routine
Do your research on your skin condition. Is it dry? Is it oily? Having a good skincare routine that is suitable for your skin can make a huge difference to acne problems. Although, you should always consult a professional dermatologist to get your care started.
5. Salicylic acid acne patch
Micro-vector patch like Tarel Salix+ Micro-vector Patch can help treat cystic acne, since it can help deliver salicylic acid into the blemish. It is better to consult professional healthcare before use.
6. Injection
If your cystic acne is getting too large and painful to handle, you should go see a dermatologist. They may administer corticosteroid injections to help reduce inflammation and promote faster healing.
Treating cystic acne is a long and harsh process, since it is known as the most stubborn acne. It requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes. Using acne patch for cystic acne or using an injection might provide quick relief. But finding the right combination of treatments and balancing your life well can significantly improve the condition of your skin and long-term acne problems.
In conclusion, some types of acne patch (salicylic acid micro-vector acne patch) can be used to treat cystic acne. Although we recommend you consult a professional dermatologist before using any.