Nodular Acne: What It Is And How To Treat It

Many people suffer from some type of acne in their lifetime.

Sometimes, it seems like a pimple or pimples will pop up at just the wrong time.

One usually pops up right before a special occasion, like the day before your wedding or before taking a school portrait.

This may be partly because acne has been linked to stress, as stress hormones may increase oil production.

However, in the moment, it only makes you more stressed!

When that happens, you’re looking for the best treatment and you want the pimple to disappear very quickly. The good news: nearly all acne can be treated, though nodules usually need a dermatologist.

The way acne is treated depends on the type of symptoms you have.

Different Types Of Acne

Acne ranges from mild blackheads and whiteheads to inflamed pimples, and then to the most severe forms: nodules and cysts.

Acne nodules can be large, painful and embarrassing.

They can take weeks or months to heal. Doctors often group nodules and cysts together as severe acne.

An acne nodule is a hard, inflamed lump that forms deep under the skin. In everyday language, it’s a big, painful bump with no head.

Nodules can injure the skin and cause scarring and discoloration.

What Is Nodular Acne?

Nodular acne can appear on the face, chest, back or shoulders.

It’s usually painful. The nodules are hard lesions that sit deep within the skin.

People often call them cysts, but the two are different. Cysts are softer because they are filled with pus.

Nodules can persist for weeks or even months.

As with mild acne, nodular acne is caused by several different factors.

You can suffer from overactive oil glands, a buildup of dead cells inside the pores or an excess of acne-causing bacteria.

All of these factors together can cause breakouts to occur.

These outbreaks can affect anyone, but because hormones called androgens play a role, severe acne is especially common in teenage boys and young men.

For Women

It’s not that straight forward for women, frustratingly!

Women can experience more acne issues at various times of their lives during hormonal events like menstruation, menopause and pregnancy.

Nodular acne can also be hereditary, a result of your pesky genes.

If one or both of your parents has suffered from outbreaks, you’re more likely to experience them as well.

When you leave nodular acne untreated, it has a high potential to cause scarring. That is why early treatment by a dermatologist matters.

Things To Know About Popping Nodular Acne

The normal reaction to the presence of any acne is a desire to pop it, but what about with nodular acne? Is it safe to pop?

Just because your acne can be popped doesn’t mean that it should be.

Anytime you put your hands on your skin, you have the chance of spreading more bacteria.

When you try popping your nodular acne you need to understand that it could scar once it’s healed.

In addition, squeezing a nodule can push inflammation deeper into the skin and may lead to infection.

Don’t try to pop or drain a nodule at home, with or without tools. If a nodule needs draining, a dermatologist can do it safely.

Your best course of action whenever you’re dealing with nodular acne is to seek professional treatment instead of taking matters into your own hands.

How Does Nodular Acne Occur?

It starts when a hair follicle gets clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells.

Acne bacteria multiply inside the clogged follicle and trigger inflammation deep in the skin. Then a painful, hard bump forms.

That’s a lot of information and scientific terms, but more important is how to treat nodular acne.

The best treatments for mild to severe acne should include one or more of these ingredients:

• Benzoyl Peroxide kills the bacteria that has invaded the pores.
• Salicylic Acid unclogs the pores, so that they can heal.
• Glycolic Acid renews and conditions the skin in the affected areas.

These ingredients work well for whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.

However, the American Academy of Dermatology says nodules and cysts can’t be cleared with store-bought acne treatment. They need prescription treatment from a dermatologist.

The kits below can help with milder acne or support a dermatologist’s plan. They won’t clear nodules on their own.

We’ve assembled a list of treatment products.

Read the review of each product to give you an idea of what is available.

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations before use.

Exposed Acne Treatment: Expanded Kit

Exposed Acne Treatment: Expanded Kit is great for treating acne.

The products are combined with Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, soothing properties of Green Tea, Licorice Root and Passion Flower.

The company claims to combine science with the soothing properties of natural extracts.

Exposed Acne Treatment: Expanded Kit targets the causes of acne by:

• Unclogging pores
• Killing acne causing bacteria
• Regulating oil
• Soothing redness and irritation

Within the expanded kit, you’ll receive the following:

• Facial Cleanser that cleans pores without causing dryness and inflammation.
• Clearing Tonic, which is a refreshing blend of ingredients that dig deep into the pores. The tonic restores natural balance and controls acne.
• Acne Treatment Serum helps to keep blemishes from reoccurring.
• Clear Pore Serum is a gel that digs deep into the pores to control pimples, repair skin cells and rebalance the face. This gel is used overnight.

Check The Best Price Here

Proactiv 3 Step Acne Treatment 60 Day

Proactiv 3 Step Acne Treatment was developed by dermatologists.

The company believes that acne treatment and premium skincare will keep your skin healthy.

Proactiv believes that prevention of acne means that you must have a routine.

Their system targets every step of the acne cycle. Proactiv products fight acne with their Smart Target Technology.

The three step process includes:

• 1 – A skin smoothing exfoliator cleanses and exfoliates excess oil, dirt and impurities. It fights acne and leaves the skin hydrated.
• 2 – Targeting treatment cleans and focuses on the pores.
• 3- Complexion perfecting hydrator hydrates and refines the skin. It also soothes the skin and reduces redness.

It delivers the Benzoyl Peroxide directly into the pores and immediately kills bacteria on contact.

This means it penetrates below the skin’s surface to clear your pores and fight future breakouts.

Check The Best Price Here

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne Treatment System

La Roche-Posey’s mission is to develop skin care products alongside dermatologists.

Their product range is recommended by over 25,000 dermatologists throughout the world.

The Effaclar Acne System is a 3-step process and complete acne regimen.

The system contains ingredients that provide fast and visible results and continuous improvements over time.

How It Works

• 1 – The Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser removes excess oil, dirt and impurities. It contains Salicylic Acid, which unclogs pores and helps them to heal. It also contains, Lipo Hydroxy Acid to help exfoliate the skin and target oily areas of your skin. Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser also helps to fight against future breakouts. It should be used twice per day.
• 2 – Effaclar Clarifying solution is used after cleansing. It contains Glycolic Acid, which helps to unclog pores and renew the skin. Effaclar Clarifying solution also acts as a toner and an exfoliator.
• 3 –Effaclar Duo Dual Action Treatment contains Benzoyl Peroxide and kills bacteria and fights all types of acne. It clears blemishes, whiteheads and blackheads. Effaclar Duo Dual Action also contains Lipo Hydroxy to help smooth skin texture. Follow the label directions; start with once a day to limit dryness.

As a company, it offers both medicated and non-medicated skincare to fight acne.

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Murad Acne and Aging Skin Solution Kit

Murad is well known in the skincare world and was founded by Dr. Howard Murad.

The brand sells many skincare products throughout the world for all types of skin.

It’s a company with a vision to create great products that help the skin stay beautiful and youthful.

Murad is also known for its acne treatment products.

The Acne and Aging Skin Solution Kit starts with the Time Released Acne Cleanser.

This cleanser contains Salicylic Acid and helps to unclog pores.

The second step is the Advanced Acne and Wrinkle Reducer.

You’ll massage it evenly over your clean face, neck and chest. It contains Glycolic Acid and helps to prevent future breakouts.

The final step is the Anti-Aging Moisturizer. It’s very light and absorbs into your skin quickly.

This moisturizer hydrates without clogging the pores.

Murad’s treatment process is built on a fast acting regimen. Controlling acne breakouts without causing skin irritations is a big part of the regimen.

Along with fighting acne, the Murad Acne and Aging Skin Solution Kit helps to combat skin wrinkles and aging.

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Neutralyze Moderate to Severe Acne Treatment

Neutralyze is a relatively new company in skincare.

Their treatment products are based on Nitrogen Boost Skincare Technology.

This new technology reduces redness and irritation to visibly improve the completion and improve the condition of your skin.

The products contain Salicylic Acid which unclogs pores.

They also contain Mandelic Acid/Mandeliplex, which removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and acts as an anti-bacterial.

The Neutralyze – Moderate to Severe – Acne Treatment is considered an acne regimen that includes:

• 1 – Face Wash clears away dirt oil and bacteria.
• 2 – Cleaning Serum exfoliates dead skin. (No over-the-counter serum can eliminate cystic acne or acne scars.)
• 3 – Synergyzer reduces redness and irritation. It also protects the skin to prevent over-drying.

Again, Neutralyze is a new product on the scene.

Despite the name, it’s an over-the-counter regimen, so see a dermatologist for true moderate to severe acne.

Check The Best Price Here

How Long Does Nodular Acne Last?

Each instance of acne will last a varying amount of time dependent on the circumstances involved.

Typically, nodular acne takes longer to treat and can last weeks to months. Even with treatment, expect it to take a few months to see clear improvement.

Tip To Remain Acne Free

• Stay Hydrated – Drinking enough water is good for your health, though it won’t clear acne on its own.
• Choose Non-Comedogenic Products – Look for makeup, sunscreen and moisturizers labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” Natural products aren’t automatically better.
• Maintain a Gentle Skin Care Routine – Wash gently up to twice a day with a mild cleanser and your fingertips. Avoid scrubbing, since harsh scrubs and exfoliants can irritate acne. You’ll also want to ensure that you remove any makeup each night before heading off to bed. By leaving makeup to sit on your face, you risk clogging up your pores.
• Take Proper Care of Your Laundry – Your skin comes into contact with many materials in a day. It’s important that you wash these items with gentle detergent. Exposing your skin to materials with harsh chemicals in them can increase the likelihood of your skin becoming irritated. Wash workout clothes after each use. You’ll also want to change your pillowcases and bedding on a regular basis.
• Reduce Stress – Being stressed has a big impact on everything in your body, including your skin.

Nodular Acne Treatment Options

Nodular acne needs a dermatologist. These are the main treatments they use.

Corticosteroid Injection

A dermatologist can inject a large, painful nodule with a corticosteroid. This quickly reduces its size and pain.

It treats one nodule at a time, so it is used alongside other treatment rather than on its own.

Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are often the first treatment for severe acne. They are usually paired with a medicine you apply to the skin, such as benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is a strong prescription medicine that targets all four causes of acne. It is often used for nodular acne that doesn’t clear with other treatment.

It can cause serious birth defects, so patients must enroll in a monitoring program. Your dermatologist will explain the risks.

Hormone Therapy (For Women)

For women, birth control pills can help, sometimes combined with spironolactone. Spironolactone reduces excess oil.

Drainage

A dermatologist may drain a large nodule that medicine can’t clear. Don’t try to drain or pop a nodule at home.

Topical Treatments

Prescription retinoids such as tretinoin (Retin-A) and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide help unclog pores and kill acne bacteria. On their own, they usually aren’t strong enough for nodules.

What About Home Remedies?

You’ll see tea tree oil, aloe vera, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, clay masks and egg whites recommended online. None of these is a proven treatment for nodular acne.

Some can make things worse. Acidic or alkaline home mixes like vinegar and baking soda can irritate skin that is already inflamed.

A small amount of research suggests tea tree oil might help mild acne, but more evidence is needed. It can also irritate the skin, and it should never be swallowed.

Eating a balanced diet with vitamin A foods like sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach is good for your health. Don’t take high-dose vitamin A supplements for acne unless a doctor prescribes treatment.

Conclusion

Suffering from nodular acne can be painful and embarrassing. It’s an emotional rollercoaster for you, because it’s not a quick and easy fix.

Acne nodules can last for months at a time and leave behind scars, so don’t wait to get help.

Over-the-counter kits can help milder acne, but nodules need prescription treatment.

All of the products on our list are either a 3-step system or regimen of skincare.

These companies that produce the products believe it’s important to not only clear up your acne, but to prevent future breakouts.

Most of the kits include enough supplies for 30-60 days; thus giving the ingredients time to work. It’s important that you are patient when treating acne nodules.

The products on our list contain proven acne ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

If you have nodules, see a dermatologist first. They can diagnose your acne and prescribe treatment that works deeper than any store-bought kit.

Sources

• What can clear severe acne?, American Academy of Dermatology
• Acne: Tips for managing, American Academy of Dermatology
• Tea Tree Oil: Usefulness and Safety, NCCIH (NIH)