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Cystic Acne Treatment in Singapore
Cystic acne is a severe form of inflammatory acne that forms deep, painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin. If your pimples are large, tender and rarely come to a head, treatment at an acne clinic in Singapore can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of scarring.
What is Cystic Acne?
Cystic acne is a severe form of inflammatory acne that causes pus-filled pimples on the skin. They typically form on the face, neck, shoulders, arms, and back, and cause substantial itchiness or discomfort.
Cystic acne starts similarly to regular acne, but bacteria that enter the pores exacerbate it as it gets trapped along with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. This bacterial infection goes deep into the skin’s middle layer (called the dermis) to form these red, swollen lumps beneath the skin. The pimples are relatively large, measuring about 5 mm in diameter, but they can continue growing.
Because cystic acne pimples are beneath the skin, you cannot easily pop them, nor should you. If a cystic acne pimple bursts, the pus can affect nearby tissues and cause the infection and inflammation to spread.
Cystic Acne vs Nodular Acne
Cystic and nodular acne are both severe inflammatory acne that develop deep in the skin, and they often appear together as nodulocystic acne. The main differences are in how they look and feel.
– Cystic acne: soft, pus-filled, red lumps that are usually larger and can rupture.
– Nodular acne: firm, hard lumps with no visible head or pus, felt deep under the skin.
Both are painful and carry a higher risk of scarring than mild acne. See our nodular acne treatment page for firm, headless lumps. Cystic acne can also be mistaken for pustule acne, which is smaller and sits closer to the surface.
What Causes Cystic Acne?
While acne starts with a buildup of excess oil and dead skin cells, the cause of cystic acne is still being investigated. It is believed that clogged pores filled with dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess sebum lead to an immune response to clear the infection. However, the steady buildup of inflammation within the clogged pores can cause them to rupture and release their contents deeper into the skin, causing cystic acne. A burst cystic acne pimple can also lead to scarring.
Some studies suggest that cystic acne can result from various risk factors, including environmental factors, genetics, and lifestyle choices. It is also known to affect people with oily skin and older adults experiencing hormonal imbalances.
For example, menopause in older women causes the ovaries to stop producing reproductive hormones gradually. Some of these hormones are essential to regulate various bodily and organ functions, and this can increase your risk of cystic acne.
Other potential risk factors include:
– Tight-fitting clothing or face masks
– Non-menopausal changes to the menstrual cycle
– Certain medications
– Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Common Triggers:
– Excess oil production that clogs pores with dead skin cells
– Overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) inside blocked pores
– Hormonal changes, including puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause and PCOS. See our hormonal acne treatment page.
– Stress, which raises cortisol and can make lesions more inflamed and painful
– Diets high in sugar and processed foods, and in some people dairy
Symptoms of Cystic Acne
The most notable symptom of cystic acne is the presence of large, reddish lumps or blisters forming below the skin’s surface. They may feel tender and painful when touched, and pus may leak. The pain may be so substantial that it interferes with your daily schedule, especially when you go to sleep. A cystic acne pimple that bursts may cause significant pain, followed by unpleasant pus drainage. You should seek professional help from our acne clinic in Singapore before any of these pimples burst to minimise further complications.
Cystic Acne Clinic in Singapore
Cystic acne rarely clears with over-the-counter products alone. See a doctor if your lumps are painful, last more than a few weeks, keep returning in the same areas, or leave marks and scars. Early assessment helps limit inflammation before lesions rupture.
At CuraMed Medical And Aesthetic Clinic, Dr Kan assesses your skin, the depth and spread of your lesions, and your history before recommending a plan. Treatment is tailored to you, and results vary between individuals.
Acne Cyst Treatments in Singapore
Carbon Laser Peel
Our carbon laser treatment is a minimally invasive deep-cleanse skin rejuvenation treatment. The procedure involves using a safe, targeted laser beam and a film of liquid carbon that acts as a photo enhancer on the skin to clear up clogged pores. It also helps to control sebum production while removing harmful bacteria and restoring your complexion.
Photopneumatic Therapy
Photopneumatic therapy relies on a dual-function approach involving pulsed light and a vacuum. The vacuum’s suction removes dead skin cells and excess oil, while the pulsed light is directed at specific points to remove the acne-causing bacteria in the targeted area.
Steroid Injections
Also known as cortisone shots, this treatment places a small amount of steroid directly into an inflamed lesion to help reduce swelling and pain. It is used for both cystic and nodular acne. Read more on our cortisone acne steroid injection page.
Medications
Various topical creams and oral medications treat cystic acne, but some require a medical prescription. Please consult our team for further information about acne treatment products.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel uses an exfoliating solution such as glycolic acid to clear surface buildup and unblock pores. It is commonly used alongside other treatments for active acne. Expect temporary redness and sun sensitivity, so follow the aftercare advice from your doctor.
How to Reduce and Prevent Cystic Acne
Do not pop or squeeze: Cystic lumps sit deep, and squeezing pushes inflammation further into the skin, raising the risk of infection and scarring.
Keep skin clean: Cleanse with a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser, wipe sweat with a clean towel and change pillowcases regularly.
Adjust your routine: Ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may help mild breakouts, but avoid harsh scrubs that irritate inflamed skin.
Manage stress and sleep: Consistent sleep and stress management help keep cortisol in check.
Review your diet: Cutting back on sugary and heavily processed foods may help some people.
Avoid friction: Tight clothing, helmets and face masks can aggravate lesions on the jawline, cheeks and back.
FAQs About Cystic Acne
What triggers cystic pimples?
Cystic pimples form when excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria clog a pore and the blockage ruptures deep in the skin, causing severe inflammation. Common triggers include hormonal changes, genetics, stress, certain medications and heavy or pore-clogging skincare products.
Can ice cure cystic acne?
No. Ice can temporarily reduce swelling, redness and pain, but it does not treat the clogged pore or the underlying inflammation. If used, wrap the ice in a clean cloth and apply for a few minutes at a time to avoid irritating the skin.
What is the best treatment for cystic pimples?
Cystic acne sits deep under the skin, so over-the-counter products rarely clear it. A doctor may recommend prescription topicals, oral medication or hormonal therapy, along with in-clinic options such as corticosteroid injections or light-based treatments, depending on severity and skin type.
How long does a cystic pimple last?
A single cystic pimple typically lasts one to several weeks, and deeper lesions can take longer to settle. Picking or squeezing prolongs healing and raises the risk of scarring. Persistent or recurring cysts need medical treatment.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a cystic pimple?
Seeing a doctor is the fastest route. A corticosteroid injection into the lesion can reduce swelling within a few days. Squeezing or popping makes the inflammation worse and can leave lasting marks, so avoid it.
Does cystic acne cause scarring?
Yes. Deep inflammation can damage the surrounding skin and collagen, leading to indented scars or dark marks. Early treatment and avoiding picking significantly lower the risk.
Can I prevent cystic acne?
Not always, especially when hormones or genetics are involved, but you can reduce breakouts. Cleanse gently twice daily, choose non-comedogenic products, avoid touching or picking your skin, and start treatment early when new lesions appear.
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Dr. Kan Hun Yee
Headed by our director and sole founder, Dr Kan, who is not just a certified family physician by the College of Family Physician, as she is also a certified Aesthetic Physician with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.
She possess a number of qualifications which speaks to her knowledge:
- Medical Degree (University of Southampton, UK)
- Diploma in Family Medicine (National University of Singapore)
- Diploma in Dermatology (Cardiff, UK)
- Diploma in aesthetic medicine (American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine)
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