Nodular Acne Treatment: Your Alternatives

Acne is a common form of skin disorder. It can vary in severity, appearing as pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads in its mild form or as cysts and pustules in its most severe form. The nodular form of acne is characterized by blockage of the sebaceous glands that cause inflammation of the skin and tissues.

Unlike the simple pimple or pimple, nodules form a dense dome-shaped lesion or nodule that can also appear irregular. This lesion is red, inflamed, and generally affects not only the surrounding area of ​​the skin but also the deeper layers. Left unchecked, nodular acne can result in tissue destruction and scarring.

Sometimes the nodules appear next to the cysts. When this happens, the condition is known as nodulocystic acne. Nodular acne is not only very unpleasant, it can also be quite painful.

Treatments for nodular acne

People suffering from the nodular form of acne should not try self-medication or self-treatment. It is important that they seek the advice of a licensed dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and prescription.

The best way to treat nodular acne is to address it right away during its early stages. This is to prevent further infection and scarring. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help stop the infection and prevent further flare-ups. Antibiotics also help minimize inflammation and relieve swelling of the skin.

If the patient does not respond to this treatment or if improvement is too slow, a doctor may prescribe a retinoid called isotretinoin. This is an oral medication that is generally required to be taken 1-2 times a day, with a course of treatment lasting between 15 and 20 weeks. Isotretinoin addresses the problem of excessive sebum production, effectively reducing the amount of oil produced by the skin and preventing clogged pores.

Isotretinoin, while quite effective, also has side effects. It is not prescribed to pregnant women because it is known to cause birth defects. It also has certain contraindications such as itching, dry mouth and skin, photosensitivity, muscle aches and nosebleeds. This explains why doctors often closely monitor their patients when administering this drug.

Hormonal treatment

Another method of treatment for nodular acne that is used exclusively in women is hormone therapy, usually in the form of low-estrogen birth control pills and anti-androgen medications such as spironolactone. Like isotretinoin, these types of nodular acne treatments also help reduce sebum production.

Other ways to treat nodular acne

A doctor can directly remove excess sebum and dead skin cells using sterile equipment. For enlarged lesions, a cortisone injection can also be used. Cortisone acts directly on the affected area, minimizing swelling and reducing pain from inflamed nodules.

During nodular acne treatment, don’t be impatient for results. Nodular acne usually takes time to improve because the infection is deeper in the skin and the waste material produced is usually not easily removed. See your doctor regularly and follow your treatment procedures closely.

Treating the scars

Once scars have occurred, a doctor may recommend surgery or laser therapy. These can help minimize the appearance of scars and reduce bumps. Sometimes a treatment called dermabrasion can also be used in conjunction with laser treatment. In severe cases where the scars involve deep, depressed scars, a fat transfer can be performed to the affected area.

Living with nodular acne

If you have nodular acne and are undergoing treatment, be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations, especially if it involves taking antibiotics. A full course of treatment is essential to the success of a prescription drug and therapy. If you must follow a special diet or change some of your habits and lifestyle, go for it.

Treatment for nodular acne can also involve a multi-pronged approach, using a main treatment (such as antibiotics or laser therapy) and completing it with a cleansing regimen. Specially formulated soaps and face washes are commonly used to help enhance the effect of the treatment.

The root cause of acne is still unknown, making a permanent cure highly unlikely. However, that does not mean that people who have nodular acne should allow themselves to be limited by this condition physically, mentally or socially. There are numerous options for treating nodular acne and with the help of a doctor, it can be conquered.