Causes of Cystic Acne

Like other forms of acne, cystic acne is caused by too much sebum in the pores, causing blockage. However, cystic acne is considered the most serious form, resulting in the development of small cysts.

While the exact biological causes of cystic acne have not been discovered, there are factors that are known to lead to it. We know, for instance, that the pinching or squeezing of puss-filled acne often leads to it, as it closes the pus inside the skin tissue to burst. The result: White blood cells race to the infected area to help fight bacteria. This reaction is what produces the inflammation, while the infection itself causes discomfort and pain.

Several other things are known to make a person more likely to develop cystic acne. For instance:
1) Genetics. If the condition runs in your family, you're more likely to develop it.
2) Adolescent hormones. During your youth, your body produces androgens. These androgens cause an excess amount of oil production, thus clogging the pores and leading to acne.
3) Stress can aggravate cystic acne, although it does not cause it.
4) Some medicines can cause cystic acne as a side effect.
5) Squeezing a "zit." This is one of the biggies. Any time you squeeze a zit, trying to get rid of it, this makes it possible (even probable) for bacteria to seep into the skin. The result: the acne worsens, and leads to the cystic variety. And as an added "bonus," squeezing can cause permanent scarring!
6) Food--but maybe not how you think. A lot of people believe that chocolate is an automatic cause of acne. Or if not acne, then maybe milk. Or some other food. The truth is, studies are inconclusive as to whether certain foods themselves cause acne or make it worse. However, what does seem clear is that some people are sensitive to certain foods, and this sensitivity can cause acne. The answer, then, is not to automatically rule chocolate or milk (or whatever) out of your diet, but to monitor your own diet. See if you can draw a link between acne flare-ups and your eating of certain foods. If you can, it's possible that you have a sensitivity to that food, and should limit how much of it you consume.
7) Some skin care products. If the ones you use are greasy, this grease can act just like the grease on your own skin and clog your pores--eventually leading to cystic acne.