Home Remedies for Cystic Acne

You may want to try these home remedies for cystic acne if you aren't ready to see a dermatologist. Let's find out what is cystic acne and the causes of cystic acne?

Cystic acne or also known as nodular acne is the most serious form of acne vulgaris. It is characterized by bumps, boils or inflammations that are filled with pus. Cystic acne is usually larger than the other types of acne such as pustular acne and it is painful. It normally shows up on the face but may also form on the back, chest, neck, scalp and shoulders. This is the most common type of acne that will result in acne scar.

Cystic acne happens when the comedo, or oil duct that is plugged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, deep within the hair follicles ruptures. It becomes widespread when the ruptured comedo infects the adjoining hair follicles.

There are several possible cystic acne causes such as overactive oil glands and excess dead skin cells within the hair follicle due to abnormal hormone levels. Excess acne causing bacteria and heredity may also contribute to it.

Here is the list of home remedies for cystic acne that may help in treating cystic acne.

Home remedies for cystic acne No. 1 - Use natural antibiotics

Topical cystic acne treatment alone will not treat the root of the problem. You must also take antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection. There are several herbs that have antibiotic properties which may help kill the bacteria or keep them from reproducing. Some of the common ones are garlic, echinacea and goldenseal.

Home remedies for cystic acne No. 2 - Diet, supplements and vitamins

Eat foods that are high in vitamin A or contains beta carotene which is a provitamin A. Some examples are lettuce, kale, spinach and carrots. One of the benefits of taking vitamin A is it may help prevent excessive oil secretions from the sebaceous glands and reduce cystic acne outbreaks.

Zinc which is helpful in maintaining a healthy immune system and for tissue renewal is another nutrient that may help prevent and treat acne. Some of the natural sources of zinc are oysters, wheat germ and pumpkin seeds.

Foods that contain vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B also help fight infections. These vitamins are essential for healthy skin and may reduce the negative impact of hormonal imbalance.

It is highly recommended that you drink about 8 glasses of water a day to eliminate waste and toxins. Herbs such as burdock, dandelion, turmeric and yellow dock are beneficial to help clean the liver. It is also advisable to reduce processed foods and those that are high in sugar because they can trigger breakouts.

Home remedies for cystic acne No. 3 - Natural treatment for cystic acne

Apple cider vinegar contains many nutrients and when applied topically acts like an astringent and may help reduce inflammation and the size of cystic acne. To use it, dilute the organic apple cider vinegar with water and dab it on the infected area and leave it overnight. It works better as cystic acne treatment when you also use the apple cider vinegar as a face wash and also drink it as a supplement.

Another one of the most popular home remedies for cystic acne is the use of baking soda. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and dab it on the cystic acne and leave it to dry before washing it off.

Honey has healing properties and is a natural antiseptic. Apply raw manuka honey and leave it overnight. If the cystic acne covers a large area of your face, use it as a face mask.

Other natural remedies for cystic acne that may help reduce the size and severity are organic virgin coconut oil, tea tree oil and witch hazel. You can use it by applying it directly on the skin. Using castor oil as a warm compress may help open up the pores and release the pus. Besides apple cider vinegar, you can also try rose water and lemon juice as face wash.

Home remedies for cystic acne No. 4 - Avoid picking or popping the zits

If you pick or squeeze the pus out, you are encouraging the bacterial infection to spread and it will also lead to acne scars. Wash your hands before and after touching your face to prevent bacterial infection from spreading.

Home remedies for cystic acne No. 5 - De-stress

Stress affects hormonal balance and also triggers acne breakouts. You should try to keep your stress level low and one of the best ways is to do regular exercise such as brisk walking or swimming.

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