Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. Acne occurs when the natural oils that the skin produces clogs the pores of the skin. Acne is worldwide problem.

Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne that develops into cysts or nodules is called cystic acne. It is not contagious, but rather develops most prevalently during the teenage years and the early 20s. Cystic acne is often cause by the pinching or squeezing of small pus-filled acne. Cystic acne is characterized by the appearance of pus filled cysts, and these cysts can easily lead to scarring and other serious complications.

In most cases of cystic acne the cyst can appear similar to an acne nodule, but it will be filled with pus, and the diameter of the cyst is generally at least 5 millimeters across.The lack of estradiol also causes thinning hair, hot flashes, thin skin, wrinkles, vaginal dryness, and predisposes to osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as triggering acne (known as acne climacterica in this situation). Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease. The male hormone androgen is also believed to play a role in acne because they effect the production of sebum. Before finding effective acne control, people with cystic acne try a number of over-the-counter products without success.

Cystic acne cure will consist of oral or topical antibiotics. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be able to purchase over-the-counter products. Cysts or nodules are blockages of the oil glands that have burst open and produced inflammation and pus in the surrounding tissue. Development of acne vulgaris in later years is uncommon, although this is the age group for Rosacea which may have similar appearances. True acne vulgaris in adults may be a feature of an underlying condition such as pregnancy and disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or the rare Cushing's syndrome. Seafood often contains relatively high levels of iodine.

Iodine is known to make existing acne worse but there is probably not enough to cause an acne outbreak.[6] Still, people who are prone to acne may want to avoid excessive consumption of foods high in iodine. Most cases of acne can be cleared, including cystic or severe nodular acne, though they require the treatment of a dermatologist.

With modern methods, there is no reason for acne to be so long lasting that it leaves scaring. This deep infection could in turn cause a much more painful inflammation, and cause a much longer healing time Dermatologists are seeing more cases of menopause-associated acne as fewer women replace the natural anti-acne ovarian hormone estradiol whose production fails as women arrive at menopause. The lack of estradiol also causes thinning hair, hot flashes, thin skin, wrinkles, vaginal dryness, and predisposes to osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as triggering acne (known as acne climacterica in this situation). People with nodules or cysts should be treated by a dermatologist.

One of the most important and easiest treatments is to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Detoxification, or cleansing of body of accumulated toxins, is a treatment mostly used in alternative medicine. Oral antibiotics such as Tetracyline, Minocycline and Doxycycline may be even more effective. Isotretinoin is a very effective medicine that can help prevent scarring.

After 15 to 20 weeks of treatment with isotretinoin, acne completely or almost completely goes away in up to 90 percent of patients. Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in cystic acne treatments. It is popular because it is an excellent drying agent. If you suffer from acne you need to use a moisturizer that is designed for acne prone skin. Once a week gently exfoliate to help slough off dead skin cells. OTC topical medicines are somewhat effective in treating acne when used regularly.

Patients must keep in mind that it can take 8 weeks or more before they notice their skin looks and feels better. In some patients, OTC acne medicines may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness. Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy is based around the idea than illness is a form of imbalance, and acne is no exception. One idea is that the body of the patient contains a lot of "hot" energy, and may be due to diet (e.g. fried foods, chocolate, lychee, durian) or an imbalanced life style (this may be connected with hormone activity).

Juliet Cohen writes articles on acne treatment and acne home remedies. She also writes articles on skin disorders.