Nodular acne – what to expect when it’s serious

There are many treatments and advice available to deal with acne problems but it is important to know if the problem is minor or serious. The occasional red skin and small white head show signs of growing acne, but if your skin gets too rough and white heads become large zits, then there is cause for professional concern.

Nodular acne is a serious concern which symptoms are easily shown. They come in nodular cysts filled with yellowish pus that is much larger than small acne spots and more painful and long-lasting. They can occur all around the face and the neck and shoulders. This can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Nodular acne only occurs if no medication has been used to clear pre-existing acne problems and daily habits that cause acne (diet, activity, hormone changes) have not decreased or made worse. Sebum oil and acne bacteria are the main cause of acne and poor personal hygiene will lead to nodular acne – although you must know that this is not always the cause. The cleanest people get spots too – look at Cameron Diaz for example – a long term acne sufferer. Good news: her acne has now cleared up substantially as a result of taking good advice. She also is known to have reduced sitting in the sun and using SPF as this was blocking her pores.

            This is much more serious in teens and pregnant women but just as bad for all ages. If it is not taken care of early on, it will lead to other skin diseases like acne rosacea.

            It is really important not irritate the skin by scratching or ‘popping’ the cysts because it will reform in the same area and leave scars – we understand that this is more easily said than done. Because the nodes are growing up from deep within the skin there is a high level of acne bacteria. Other deep red cysts cannot be ‘destroyed’ because it is sensitive to touch.

            At this stage, you must consult a dermatologist or local physician to deal with nodular acne. The simplest (and most painful) treatment is a cortisone injection right in the cysts to decrease the size. Oral or cream antibiotics can help ease skin inflammation, swelling and, like other medication, kill the acne bacteria. Be careful with this though as some models have reported that this has led to scarring.

            If all else fails, your doctor will prescribe the oral drug Isotretinoin which is taken twice a day for up to 15 weeks. Isotretinoin (normally called Accutane) is a last resort to lower sebum production. The medication is expensive but it works to deal with the source of the problem.

            However, there are some side effects and is not suitable for some. Pregnant women and young children cannot take Isotretinoin because it may cause birth defects or abnormal hormone changes in the child’s growth.  

Other side effects can include excessive itching, eye-mouth-skin dryness are minor and will go away. High blood cholesterol and indigestion can be serious. Your doctor will need to know any symptoms to decide to continue or stop Isotretinoin.

Nodular acne may dampen your positive self-image but it is important to take care of the problem quickly and know that the large white bumps and reddened skin will go away with the right doctor’s care. There is lots of good help out there, so stay calm, be patient and in time your skin will seriously improve. Go for it!

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