recalcitrant Cystic acne

Treating Recalcitrant Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is one of the most stubborn and difficult skin problems to treat, and when it recurs or won’t respond to conventional treatments like topical and oral antibiotics, it’s called recalcitrant cystic acne. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help reduce the severity and occurrence of cystic acne.

Common Treatments for Cystic Acne

Common treatments for cystic acne focus on reducing inflammation, killing bacteria, normalizing skin cell turnover, and controlling oil production. Some treatments to consider include:

• Topical retinoids such as tretinoin.
• Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin, or benzoyl peroxide.
• Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline.
• Hormonal birth control.
• Oral isotretinoin.
• Laser and light therapies.

When Traditional Treatments Fail

When traditional treatments fail, there are still other options available. Specifically, they include:

• Isotretinoin pulse therapy — this is where isotretinoin is taken in short courses for a few weeks and then stopped for awhile, in order to reduce side effects.
• Oral retinoids such as Accutane (acitretin) and Sotret.
• Biologic therapies, which are medications derived from living cells that target a specific core problem associated with cystic acne.
• Oral antibiotics with other medications, such as spironolactone.
• ALA photodynamic therapy.
• Massage for cystic acne.

If you’re struggling with recalcitrant cystic acne, talk to your doctor about the various treatments available. They’ll be able to evaluate your individual case and recommend the best treatment option for you. In the meantime, be sure to keep your skin clean and hydrated, avoid picking and touching affected areas, and use gentle skin care products.