Nodular Acne

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, which can be caused by a number of factors that include overproduction of sebum and keratin, buildup of bacteria in the skin, etc. It is a common skin condition, which most people suffer from at some or the other point of time in their lives. However, not all people have to deal with similar kind of acne. Some people suffer from mild acne forms, such as blackheads, whiteheads, etc., but there are others who suffer from severe forms of acne, such as nodular acne, also known as nodulocystic acne. Nodular acne is the most severe form of acne vulgaris and needs to be treated with care.

What is Nodular Acne?

Nodular acne spots are formed well underneath the skin and are characterized by large hard bumps. They are much larger than lesions on skin and can be quite painful as well. If the nodular acne is not treated, it can leave behind impaction, which can keep flaring up time and again. It is important that you do not attempt to squeeze such acne, as it may cause severe trauma to the skin and the acne may last for longer than it normally would. This type of acne can occur on areas other than the face as well. The other areas which are susceptible to nodular acne are the back and the chest.

Nodular Acne Causes

All of us are aware that acne is caused as a result of blocking of skin pores. When excessive sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands present under the surface of the skin, the sebum is unable to travel across the length of the hair shaft and reach the surface of the skin. This excessive sebum gets trapped within the pore of the skin causing acne. When the blocking of skin pores is in the deeper layers of the skin, rather than closer to the surface, nodular acne is formed. The other factors which can also cause this type of acne are bacteria buildup and shedding of dead skin cells that irritate the hair follicles in the skin. The hair follicles become plugged with dead skin and bacteria causing nodular acne.

Nodular Acne Treatment

Treating such acne in its early stages is the best way to go about it. Topical creams are successful in treating mild-to-moderate forms of acne, but nodular acne needs to be treated with aggressive therapy. Dermatologists may prescribe oral antibiotics to fend off bacteria and reduce inflammation. Sometimes they may require more than antibiotics as well. Laser acne treatment may also be used in severe case of nodular acne.

Home Remedies
You will have to be regular with these natural acne treatments if you want to be acne free at the earliest. An important tip for any of these home remedies is to clean your face with warm water before you use any treatment method.

Mint Leaves: Apply fresh mint juice all over the face every night after cleaning your face. Normally only one application is sufficient, but in case it is not as effective, you can also apply it again in the morning. Mint is anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce the swelling associated with severe acne.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute apple cider vinegar in the proportion 1 part vinegar to 3 parts of water. Apply the solution with a clean cotton on the affected area at night and rinse it next day in the morning.

Tea Tree Oil: Apply tea tree oil with a cotton swab on the affected area, before going to bed and rinse off in the morning with warm water.

Honey and Cinnamon Mixture: Mix 3 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder together. Apply the paste on the affected area before going to bed and wash with warm water in the morning.

When you are dealing with nodular acne, it is important to understand that it is different from pimples and lesions. Also do not touch, squeeze, or pop the acne,as this can cause them to take longer to heal and also leave scars behind. At the same time, proper skin care is also important to get rid of the problem forever.