Teen If you’re one of the 85% of teens or young adults suffering from acne, you know how tough it can be. Having acne can sometimes make you self-conscious, affecting your social life and self-esteem.
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t can be especially difficult if you have “severe recalcitrant nodular acne” often referred to as nodular or cystic acne. Cystic acne can be hard to treat and often becomes painful solid bumps that typically erupt on the face, and sometimes also on the upper body. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hillary Baldwin, M.D., warns, “If left untreated or unsuccessfully treated, this type of acne can cause visible and irreversible lifelong scars.”
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Treatment for mild-to-moderate acne can involve using over-the-counter cleansers, topical treatments or even antibiotics. But if you have nodular or cystic acne, certain types of prescription treatments are required to get it under control and prevent scarring. “Each type of acne is different,” says Dr. Baldwin, “So you need to have open dialogue with a dermatologist to assess your particular case and plan the best course of action to take back your face.”
FLUENTIAL NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020
Acne Is Not Your Fault Along with concerns about your appearance, you may worry that others are judging you, or feel like you could have prevented a breakout. People who haven’t experienced cystic or nodular acne may not understand how frustrating it can be to cope with it every day. The truth is, acne is a complicated medical condition that can have many causes, including hormones and genetics,
