Are acne patches really effective for cystic acne?

Doctor's Answers 1

Hi,

Most pimple patches are actually hydrocolloid wound dresssings to assist in wound healing. Some may contain mild levels of salicylic acid that helps dry out pimples. Acne patches may have a role in aiding skin healing together with proven medical treatment.

However, cystic acne is due to deep intense inflammation that will cause significant scarring if not treated quickly and effectively. For cystic acne, the most effective treatment is oral isotretinoin.

It is strongly recommended that you see a doctor early to commence on effective treatment in order to reduce scarring. Relying just on acne patches will simply not work.

Hope this helps!

Similar Questions

What are ways to treat cystic acne when Benzoyl peroxide and Doxycycline did not manage to alleviate the condition? (photo)

Thank you for your question. If cystic acne is not responding to oral antibiotics and topical benzoyl peroxide, oral isotretinoin is a good option as this is a very effective treatment for cystic acne. Intralesional steroid injection is a good option to consider too for cystic acne. It helps to quickly reduce the inflammation and size of the cysts. This treatment can be used together with oral antibiotics or isotretinoin which help to prevent new cysts from developing.

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For long standing cystic acne, what are my treatment options if even Accutane (Isotretinoin) fails to result in any improvement?

Hi, It is highly unlikely that isotretinoin will fail to result in any improvement in cystic acne if adequate dosing is used. A higher dose of 0. 5-1mg/kg/day may be needed to suppress more recalcitrant cystic acne. Sometimes it may take up to 6 months before the inflammatory acne can be fully controlled. At the same time, complications of gram-negative folliculitis requiring the use of appropriate oral antibiotics need to considered. Adjuvant treatment such as intralesional steroids and hormonal therapy (in females) may give additional benefits.

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