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Symptoms and Causes Of Nodular Acne: How Is It Treated?

Dr. Damanpreet Kaur

7 Min Read

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Nodular acne is a severe and painful form of acne that manifests as large, deep, and inflamed lesions beneath the skin’s surface. These nodules are characterized by their size, tenderness, and potential to cause long-lasting skin damage. In this article, we will look into detail about the causes of nodular acne, symptoms, and treatment options for nodular acne. Seeking professional dermatological guidance is crucial for effective management and prevention of scarring associated with nodular acne.

What is Nodular Acne?

Nodular acne is an intense form of acne vulgaris, a common skin condition that takes place when hair follicles become clogged with oil and and skin cells. In nodular acne, the lesions are larger and more infected than regular pimples or pustules. Nodules are deep, painful, and frequently difficult to touch. They can be red or skin-coloured and might not come to the head like other forms of acne lesions. These nodules develop underneath the surface of the pores and skin and may persist for weeks or months. Nodular acne can result in scarring and have an extensive impact on someone’s vanity due to its visible and painful nature.

What Does Nodular Acne Look Like?

This is one of the pictures of nodular acne. This is what nodular acne looks like.

nodular acne-how it looks like

How Can You Identify Nodular Acne?

An acne nodule resembles a tiny bump beneath your skin. Although it might be skin-toned, when the surrounding area becomes more inflammatory, it might also turn red. It’s not as terrible as a pimple in terms of having a “head.” Touching nodular acne hurts as well.

Who Can Develop Nodular Acne?

Anyone can develop nodular acne, irrespective of their age and gender. But it’s more common in young people, especially males.

Is nodular acne the same thing as cystic acne?

Let us see the difference between nodular acne and cystic acne. (Nodular acne vs Cystic Acne)

Two of the more severe types of acne are nodules and cysts. Because they both originate from deep beneath the skin’s surface, people may confuse them with one another:

When cystic acne first appears, it may resemble big, red boils. Similar to nodules, cysts are located far below the skin’s surface. However, cysts are softer than nodules because they are filled with pus. Cystic acne is characterized by breakouts that frequently result in infection. When the contents of whiteheads or blackheads “spill” onto adjacent skin areas, acne cysts form. The body interprets this as an attack, and the local immune system produces pus as a reaction to try and heal the damage.

Acne nodules, on the other hand, stay intact and are located deep beneath the skin. Skin tone may also be a factor in nodular acne. Nodules can last for several weeks or months as a result of the hardening of their contents into deep cysts that are persistent.

What Are The Symptoms Of Nodular Acne?

There could be a single acne nodule on your body. Alternatively, you can have multiple that show up at once. Because they begin beneath your skin, providers occasionally refer to them as “blind pimples.” Nodular acne manifests as the following symptoms:

Acne nodules

Feeling firm bumps under your skin called acne nodules. They typically show up on the face, back, or chest in individuals. Acne nodules usually appear on the chin or jawline for females.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity or pain, particularly upon touching the nodules.

Lumps

Elevated lumps that resemble your skin tone or are typically red in appearance.

What Are The Causes Of Nodular Acne?

Nodular acne is an extreme form of pimple characterized by the presence of large, painful, and infected nodules beneath the skin. Several factors contribute to the improvement of nodular acne. Some nodular acne causes are:

Excessive Sebum Production:

Sebum is an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands in the skin. When there is an overproduction of sebum, it may clog the hair follicles and contribute to the formation of nodules.

Bacterial Infection:

Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that generally lives on the pores and skin, can multiply in clogged hair follicles. This ends in inflammation and the formation of nodules.

Inflammation:

Inflammatory responses within the frame can exacerbate acne. Inflammation may be brought about by various factors, including hormonal adjustments, dietary factors, and stress. Chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of nodular acne.

Hormonal Fluctuations:

Hormonal changes, which include those that occur during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect sebum production and contribute to the formation of acne, which includes nodules.

Genetics:

A family record of acne may increase the probability of developing severe types of acne, which include nodular pimples. Genetic elements can affect how the pores and skin respond to hormonal modifications and infections.

Dietary Factors:

Although the role of diet in acne is complicated and varies amongst individuals, a few studies advocate that positive nutritional factors, which include high-glycemic index foods and dairy merchandise, may also contribute to nodular acne development.

Environmental Factors:

Exposure to certain environmental factors, which include pollutants and humidity, may additionally aggravate nodular acne.

Skincare products:

Additionally, the use of comedogenic (pore-clogging) skincare or beauty merchandise can contribute to the formation of nodular acne.

Stress and Anxiety:

Excess stress and anxiety can lead to excess sebum production. This sebum production can lead to nodular acne.

How Is Nodular Acne Diagnosed?

Nodular acne is diagnosed by a dermatologist. Along with examining your skin, your dermatologist will inquire about your symptoms. They will inquire about the location and degree of pain of the nodules. Inform your healthcare practitioner about all of your prescription drugs and any family history of acne.

How To Treat Nodular Acne?

You might be wondering how can I treat nodular acne, right? A dermatologist is needed for the treatment of nodular acne. Nodular acne cannot be effectively treated with over-the-counter acne creams. Never attempt to “pop” or squeeze an acne nodule. This may exacerbate them and result in severe scarring from acne.

Your dermatologist might suggest the following treatment options to cure nodular acne:

Oral medications:

If you have severe acne, your doctor might suggest a prescription skin care product like isotretinoin. Other oral drugs that decrease inflammation and treat nodular acne include the antibiotic tetracycline and oral contraceptives (birth control tablets). The hormones that cause acne can be blocked or their production slowed down by a drug called spironolactone.

Medications used topically under prescription:

Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and prescription-strength retinoids are used for nodular acne treatment. This medication will be prescribed by your doctor as a cream, gel, or foam that you apply to your skin.

Cortisone injections:

Your doctor may suggest cortisone shots to reduce very large, painful, or persistent acne nodules. Your dermatologist will inject a steroid drug into the nodule using a fine needle. This drug expedites the healing process and lowers inflammation.

How To Prevent Nodular Acne?

Is this question running in your mind, How can I prevent nodular acne? Nodular acne might not be preventable. But simply keeping yourself clean, can lessen your risk of contracting it. You ought to:

Wash your face:

Maintain clean skin by washing it in the morning, at night, and after exercise with a mild cleanser.

Handle stress:

To reduce tension, try breathing exercises and relaxation methods.

Make use of high-quality products:

Avoid lotions and cosmetics that clog your pores. Seek out non-comedogenic skincare products.

At MFine, we ensure that everyone finds the ideal match for their skin needs with our range of age-specific skincare products. These acne skincare products are made specifically for each customer, contain a combination of natural and active components, and are formalized by dermatologists. Here are some ways to get the best acne treatment available. Get your customized kit by taking advantage of a free skin evaluation or free derma consultation. Explore the world of MFine’s cutting-edge skincare inventions, where sophisticated formulae and organic components combine to produce incredible results.

Questions and Answers On Nodular Acne

Q. Can ice help nodular acne?

Ans: Ice can reduce redness in cases of inflammatory acne, which will hide your pimples from visibility. It can also be used to relieve nodule and cystic acne-related pain. This is because ice has a momentary numbing effect.

Q. Do nodular acne scars go away?

Ans: Nodules are more prone than other forms of acne to produce permanent scars, and they are responsible for the majority of serious scarring. To avoid more severe acne scarring, it is recommended to get acne treatment as soon as it manifests.

Q. Does salicylic acid remove nodular acne?

Ans: OTC chemicals that are easily accessible, including benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, aid in removing dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin’s surface only. When it comes to nodules, which are located far beneath the skin’s surface, this can help unclog a pore at the skin’s surface.

Q. What foods cause nodular acne?

Ans:

Refined grains and sugars
bread, crackers, cereal, or desserts made with white flour.
pasta made with white flour.
white rice and rice noodles.
sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages.
sweeteners like cane sugar, maple syrup, honey, or agave.

Q. How long can nodular acne last?

Ans: Acne nodules may remain for weeks or months, in contrast to ordinary pimples, which usually go away in a few days. They could stay as firm knots under the skin.

Q. Can I treat nodular acne at home?

Ans: Some alleviation may be obtained from over-the-counter (OTC) products and appropriate home care practices. Nodular acne, however, may not go away. To get it under control, your doctor’s assistance is probably required. A dermatologist with board certification can recommend an efficient course of action and offer you nodular acne management tips.

Q. Is nodular acne cancerous?

Ans: No, however, one kind of skin cancer called nodular melanoma can mimic benign diseases like acne and blood blisters. Since it mostly grows beneath the skin, where it is invisible, it is also one of the more invasive types of skin cancer.

Summary

If you notice any symptoms as mentioned above, immediately consult a dermatologist on MFine. You cannot treat this nodular acne at home with over-the-counter creams. It is always advisable to see a dermatologist for better advice and the best skincare routine. It is important to get the best treatment as soon as possible to prevent acne scarring.

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Written by

Dr. Damanpreet Kaur

Dr. Damanpreet Kaur is a General physician at MFine who holds a degree of MBBS, Certified in General practice, COVID-19 telemedicine practice, and in Diabetes management. She has over 4 years of experience in managing day-to-day illnesses, assessment of health check reports, and managing lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc. She has worked previously at MDH Hospital, New Delhi. Currently, she is working as a consultant physician at MFine.

Symptoms and Causes Of Nodular Acne: How Is It Treated?

What is Nodular Acne?

What Does Nodular Acne Look Like?

How Can You Identify Nodular Acne?

Who Can Develop Nodular Acne?

Is nodular acne the same thing as cystic acne?

What Are The Symptoms Of Nodular Acne?

Acne nodules

Sensitivity

Lumps

What Are The Causes Of Nodular Acne?

Excessive Sebum Production:

Bacterial Infection:

Inflammation:

Hormonal Fluctuations:

Genetics:

Dietary Factors:

Environmental Factors:

Skincare products:

Stress and Anxiety:

How Is Nodular Acne Diagnosed?

How To Treat Nodular Acne?

Oral medications:

Medications used topically under prescription:

Cortisone injections:

How To Prevent Nodular Acne?

Wash your face:

Handle stress:

Make use of high-quality products:

Questions and Answers On Nodular Acne

Q. Can ice help nodular acne?

Q. Do nodular acne scars go away?

Q. Does salicylic acid remove nodular acne?

Q. What foods cause nodular acne?

Q. How long can nodular acne last?

Q. Can I treat nodular acne at home?

Q. Is nodular acne cancerous?

Summary

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