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Severe Nodular or Cystic Acne

Cyst - A cyst is a closed sac or capsule, usually filled with fluid, pus, or semisolid material. Cysts may form within any tissue in the body.

Nodules
The presence of cysts and nodules characterizes the severe type of acne designated "cystic acne" or "nodular acne". The two terms are typically used interchangeably. While acne can be graded on the type, number and distribution of lesions, there is no generally accepted method for characterizing acne severity or type.

Large numbers of inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules and cysts are common features of severe cystic acne. These nodular lesions may be deeply inflamed, palpable and often painful. They can be very large, often more than ten millimeters across and may coalesce or overlap. The nodules of severe acne are located primarily on the face, neck, chest and back. When left untreated, the classic pitted "acne scars" or flat, macular scarring invariably accompany this type of acne.

Cystic Acne
Severe Acne - Cystic acne or nodulocystic acne, is a most severe form of acne. Both pustules and hard red bumps are present in the skin. Cystic acne can occur on the face, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. It is most common in the teenage years. Severe acne as this may have a profound psychological impact on a person.

Severe cystic acne consists of deep, pus-filled cysts within the skin, redness, and swelling, and can be very painful, can result in significant damage to the skin, can lead to disfiguring, and can cause permanent scarring in severe cases and in those who are prone to forming keloids. Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue at the site of a healed skin injury.

Treatment for Severe Nodular or Cystic Acne

References:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
www.niams.nih.gov/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
www.4woman.gov/
January 2005 - 2006