One common acne myth is that a pimple is only formed when a skin pore becomes clogged. The truth is that acne occurs when testosterone is transformed into dihydrotestosterone or DHT. Overproduction of DHT can cause acne flare ups and breakouts. When bacteria gets inside of the pore, the surrounding skin may become red and swollen. If the infection goes deep into the skin, a painful cyst will form. Hormonal cystic acne is more prevalent in males, but females can also be affected.
Changes in the skin cause cystic acne to occur, particularly in teenage boys. Cystic acne can also occur during a woman's menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. This type of acne can also occur in patients who have polycystic ovary syndrome. Flare ups are common in teens, and on into the twenties, but acne can affect anyone at any age.
A cystic acne flare up is most noticeable when a large bump appears just under the skin. The area will be itchy or painful. As the pressure increases, the bump gets red, and the pain increases. Pus forms as the infection grows, and the skin is taut over the entire area. This type of acne is most frequently found on the face, neck, back, and shoulders.
The affected area should be left alone. Any attempt to squeeze the bump to release pressure can cause the infection to spread under the skin. This can cause permanent scarring, too. It is important to treat the area using a product that is developed specifically for hormonal cystic acne to achieve the best results without causing an infection or scarring.
