An acne cyst is perhaps one of the more painful types of acne, which is often a large pus filled nodule (also known as a lump, in non medical terms) that can occur anywhere on the body, from the face to the back to even other regions and areas. They often become inflamed or sore and may even produce a throbbing sensation or be painful to touch.

Acne cysts can occur in just about anyone, regardless of age, sex, or skin type. You may find that only get one or two once in awhile, for others it can be a regular occurrence that causes great discomfort and even make one feel self conscious about his or her appearance.

Like most forms of acne, the lump is caused typically by a build up of bacteria underneath the skin, which causes the painful and sore spot. Some cysts can be relatively small – others may be very large.

Often you can attempt to treat a cyst at home without the need of medical attention. However, if you experience any other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, nausea, or generally do not feel well and it seems to have started the same time when the cyst first appeared, it is better to speak to a physician, as there may be an underlying infection that needs antibiotics or other medical treatment you cannot do at home. You should also speak to your physician if they occur on a regular basis or affect your day to day regular routine.

The first rule is that no matter how tempting it may seem, you should never, ever, pop it! If you pop it, squeeze it, or anything else to irritate it or break it open, you will likely spread the bacteria to other parts of your face, putting you at risk for further breakouts and additional cysts forming. Popping it may also make it more likely to scar, which means that even once it is cleared up, you may still have a blemish in that part of the affected skin.

Cleaning the affected area is very important, and you will also want to make sure your hands are clean as well, as this can lead to more bacteria being spread.

An antibiotic lotion or cream should be applied to the affected area 2-3 times a day, or as directed on the medication package. There are many over the counter creams available, and we recommend using a non greasy version. If you go to a doctor, they may prescribe something that is a little stronger than what is available at your drug store or pharmacy.

There are also many other things that may help, but it will depend mostly on your skin type and if you have any other sensitivities to lotions or creams. The most popular types of over the counter treatments for acne include retinol, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

Retinol is a type of vitamin A which is believed to help with healing of breakouts. If you are nursing or pregnant, you should speak to your doctor before using it, as too much vitamin A can be bad for your or your baby.

Benzoyl peroxide is found in many over the counter lotions and creams as well as face washes. You should look for a solution that is no more than 2.5%, as anything in a higher concentration can cause sensitivity and extreme drying of the skin, which may cause pores to become clogged even worse.

Salicylic acid is a chemical compound that for some may cause adverse reactions, but is believed to be generally safe in small doses and when diluted in a solution such as a face wash or acne medication. It works at helping clean pores.

If using over the counter remedies for your acne cyst, be sure to watch for any signs of allergic reaction or symptoms becoming worse. Be sure to follow manufacturer’s directions carefully to ensure that you are using the product properly and safely. If the condition persists, worsens, or becomes a chronic condition that occurs frequently, speaking to your physician or a dermatologist is highly recommended to determine the best treatment as well as rule out any other underlying causes that may be affecting your skin.

To prevent further acne cyst breakouts, you may also want to check out our article on how to prevent acne.

Do you have any experiences to share about having an acne cyst or treatment suggestions? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.