Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Cystic Acne Home Treatment?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

The best cystic acne home treatment methods can vary from person to person, so it may be necessary to try a few different methods to see which works best for you. Some common examples of home remedies include the application of baking soda, honey and aspirin. It’s also important to avoid squeezing the cysts and to visit a doctor for professional advice.

Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne, which is why treatment can be difficult. To be classed as having cystic acne, a person has to be affected by liquid lumps under the surface of the skin. The cysts are often painful to touch and unsightly. When attempting any form of cystic acne home treatment, it’s important to remember that it may take longer than expected to see improvement. A doctor should always be consulted if you’re suffering from cystic acne, because there are a number of effective medical treatments.

Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne.
Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne.

One of the most common cystic acne home treatment methods is the application of baking soda. For this treatment, you should mix baking soda and water together and apply the resulting paste directly to the affected areas of skin. The treatment should be repeated at least once a week. Some people recommend including sea salt in the mixture.

Another cystic acne home treatment involves a mixture of honey and aspirin. You should mix a crushed aspirin with water and then apply the paste to the areas of acne. Once it has been rinsed off, put some honey on the skin to act as a moisturizer. Honey also has antibacterial properties, which is important for acne treatment.

A homemade paste of water and crushed aspirin can be used as a topical treatment for acne.
A homemade paste of water and crushed aspirin can be used as a topical treatment for acne.

An important part of cystic acne home treatment is to avoid inflaming the skin further. Squeezing an acne cyst nearly always does more harm than good and can result in scarring, pain and irritation of the skin. Some people find that excessive sweating irritates the skin and increases the chances of acne outbreaks, so gently drying the skin with a damp, soft cloth can help with this.

In most cases, acne can be treated with over-the-counter cleansers and does not require prescription gels.
In most cases, acne can be treated with over-the-counter cleansers and does not require prescription gels.

Other cystic acne home treatments include aloe vera juice, lemon juice and even egg whites. Avoiding skin care products that contain a lot of oil, which can block the pores, also can help to reduce the severity of outbreaks. The effectiveness of most cystic acne home treatment methods hasn’t been tested or proven, which is why it’s always important to visit a doctor for professional advice.

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

@MikeMason-- I personally like homeopathic treatments. I went to see a homeopathy doctor in the summer who gave me some remedies for my cystic acne. He gave me a herbal tincture to take and also a cream with clove oil.

The cream is really great, it dries up cysts and gets rid of pimples like nothing else. Clove oil is a very powerful anti-bacterial. I don't think it's safe to apply directly on the face though. It has to be diluted or mixed into creams.

donasmrs

@MikeMason-- Have you tried pure aloe vera gel?

I've been using it for three weeks and my pimples are not as big and painful anymore. Aloe vera seems to have a drying effect and it has also eased the pain and inflammation. I leave it on my face overnight.

I've also tried calamine lotion and zinc cream in the past but those didn't help. They just made the pimples develop faster which isn't really my idea of treatment.

Home remedies might not treat cystic acne in everyone. If these are not working for you, then I think you have no choice but to use prescription medications and creams.

stoneMason

I've tried aspirin and baking soda but I didn't notice any difference with my cysts with either. Aren't there more potent home remedies for cystic pimples? I don't think these are potent enough.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne.
      By: badmanproduction
      Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne.
    • A homemade paste of water and crushed aspirin can be used as a topical treatment for acne.
      By: blueskies9
      A homemade paste of water and crushed aspirin can be used as a topical treatment for acne.
    • In most cases, acne can be treated with over-the-counter cleansers and does not require prescription gels.
      By: ipag
      In most cases, acne can be treated with over-the-counter cleansers and does not require prescription gels.
    • Mixing baking soda and water can create a paste that can be applied to areas afflicted with acne.
      By: Africa Studio
      Mixing baking soda and water can create a paste that can be applied to areas afflicted with acne.