Understanding Your Acne Cyst

There are a number of different forms of acne spots that can develop based on the type of acne and its severity. Cysts are usually found in the most aggressive, yet least common, forms of acne.

Cystic Acne

Acne that includes cysts is referred to as cystic acne and often occurs on the face, back and chest. Although sweat is one of the causes of cysts to develop, playing sports does not mean that cysts will develop. This type of acne is more common in males in their teen years and early twenties, but anyone can suffer from cysts. The root cause of cystic acne seems to be genetic, so if your parents suffered from this form of acne, then you are more likely to also be afflicted.

What are Cysts?

Cysts usually form deep within the skin instead of at its surface, which is why cysts usually do not develop a head like pimples, blackheads, etc. When a cyst does form, it can grow to be several centimeters in size and often feels like a soft lump under the skin. In most cases, cysts are very painful and treatment usually involves draining the cyst by a dermatologist or taking prescription medication, such as antibiotics or oral contraceptives for women.

An acne cyst will often develop when another type of acne spot becomes infected. The infection causes the wall of the pore to break, which then leaks the infected material into the skin cells surrounding the original site of the spot. Initially, the spot forms due to a buildup of oil (sebum), dead skins cells, dirt and sweat, which clogs the pores. The development of a cyst is due to bacteria infecting the clogged pore. When pores are infected and inflamed, they create pus, which is added to the other materials blocking the pore. As the amount of pus increases, the pore grows in size until it ruptures.

If not treated properly, an acne cyst can lead to significant scarring due to its size and the amount of damage it causes to surrounding skin cells. Scars formed by an acne cyst are crater like in appearance because the cyst is found so deep within the skin layers.

Sports-Related Acne Cysts

Acne mechanica is a type of acne that develops in athletes, soldiers and some musicians. It develops on the face and body, depending on where the skin is being irritated. Acne mechanica is a result of pressure, friction, heat or rubbing of the skin. As a result of the skin being irritated, blackheads, whiteheads and pimples can form in the area. Acne cysts may form, but are rare with this type of acne.

Tight fitting uniforms, bra straps in women and pressure from sports equipment like football and hockey pads and helmets or backpacks carried by soldiers are all common culprits behind acne mechanica. Some musicians, like violinists, also suffer from this form of acne due to the pressure of the musical instrument on their face and parts of their body. If the friction and pressure is combined with excess heat, acne mechanica is even more likely to form as sweat interacts with the irritated skin.

Unlike an acne cyst, this is a relatively mild form of acne and is easy to treat with normal over the counter medication. Early warning signs include skin that feels rough or bumpy, prior to pimples developing. The best treatment is removal of the item causing the pressure or friction, which unfortunately is not an option for some, like soldiers and professional musicians or athletes.