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Hi,
Could someone tell me how to identify if my acne is cystic.
I have heard some things, for example:
-Is it true that they hurt? And does this mean hurt a little to touch? Or will they be painful without touching them?
-Also, do they last longer than a 'normal' pimple? So like weeks or something?
What is the difference between a cyst and a pustule?
I'm just trying to figure out if I have cysts or pustules.
And lastly, if it normal for a spot to be itchy. Some of my spots itch a bit when they're just coming through. Could that mean its a cyst?
Thanks for all your help in advance.
Yeah I always thought they were really big too.
But could it be possible to get small cysts?
I believe from what I have read that if a pimple is deep in the skin then its a cyst.
I have had spots that have been tender to touch but I don't know if that makes them cystic because I have also read that some people with cystic acne have to take pain relief medication, and i have never even had to consider that.
So I don't know if I have cystic acne or just a bad version of normal acne.
Talking from experience (I have had four cysts, one of which is still there), cysts are much larger than normal spots and the majority of them are under the skin. Kinda like an iceberg I guess.If you gently squeeze the cyst you'll be able to feel a hard pea like ball under the skin. Cysts can range in size though, so you could have a hard lump under the skin that's equivalent to the size of a button.
When cysts are growing they tend to hurt a little - even when you don't touch it -, just like a regular spot but once they have grown the pain can remain or can go completely (it really depends on the person). Cysts are much redder and bigger than normal spots and will hang around for much longer too. I had a cyst that remained for around 8 months. Most cysts will also remain for months so if it is a cyst you have, I'd suggest doing something about it.
I don't think cysts are generally itchy as itchiness indicates that the pus is ready to leave the spot and so the itchy spots are probably just normal pimples. Try not to scratch it though as you could risk creating a wound and infecting the spot.
Now I'm not too sure about the difference between pustules and cysts so I'm afraid I can't help you with that one.
I also feel obligated to say that you should never try to pop a cyst. More than likely it will increase the swelling and redness. There are some great home remedies to reduce the appearance so they can hardly be seen under makeup. Otherwise you can seek medical advice.