Struggling with cystic acne?

You’re not alone.

Sufferers often experience anxiety and depression, as well as ongoing stress.

Woman with cystic acne on her cheeks

This inflammatory skin disease is triggered by bacteria and sebum buildup in the pores, explains theCleveland Clinic.

It typically causes painful, fluid-filled cysts that can reach the size of a dime.

Teenagers, menopausal women, and individuals going through stressful events are more likely to developcystic acne.

Anti-inflammatory foods for cystic acne

Genetics may play a role, too.

Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and may take three months or longer to work.

In some cases, dermatologists may recommend birth control pills or steroid injections, notes the Cleveland Clinic.

Young woman applying a turmeric mask for acne cysts

Tweak your diet to prevent and reduce inflammation

Certain foods can trigger inflammation and worsen acne.

Sugary foods tend to increase insulin levels, which in turn can boost sebum production and cause acne breakouts.

Based on these findings, they recommend starting an elimination diet and writing down what you eat.

This approach would allow you to identify your triggers and determine which foods to avoid.

TheAmerican Academy of Dermatology Associationsuggests cutting back on sugar, simple carbs, and cow’s milk.

check that your diet includes plenty of veggies, fresh fruits, whole grains, and legumes.

Olivia Cefalu, a beauty writer, has been struggling with cystic acne for years.

Her skin started to look better after just one week, according toVery Good Light.

Christian Allaire, aVoguecontributor, has a similar story his acne cleared up almost completely after cutting out dairy.

Some patients had complete remission of their symptoms.

The downside is that most drugs take months to work and can have serious side effects.

Another option is to crush an aspirin tablet and mix it with water until it forms a thick paste.

Apply it to your skin and rinse with warm water after a few minutes.

Similarly, it’s possible for you to mix turmeric powder with water and apply it to your zits.

Dermatologist Jonathan Braue told theCleveland Clinicthat some of these remedies for cystic acne might do the trick.

However, they are not a long-term solution and cannot replace medical treatment.

Just verify you’re aware of their potential side effects, such as skin irritation and allergic reactions.