Acne Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

An acne cyst, also called a cystic lesion or nodulocystic acne, is a severe type of acne that occurs when a pore on your skin becomes blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, causing the pore to become infected and inflamed and leading to the formation of a deep, swollen, pus-filled lesion under the skin.

Acne cysts are usually larger and deeper than other types of acne, such as whiteheads or blackheads, and can be painful, red, and swollen. They often occur on the face, neck, back, and chest, and can take several weeks to months to heal completely.

Treatment for acne cysts typically involves topical or oral medications, such as retinoids, antibiotics, and benzoyl peroxide, to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and prevent new cysts from forming. In severe cases, more aggressive treatments, such as laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, or extraction by a dermatologist, may be necessary.