The large majority of acne sufferers deal with your standard whiteheads and blackheads on a weekly, if not monthly basis. Their acne, while an area of concern, does not constanly occupy their thoughts. Then there are those of us who suffer from pimples under the skin, such as pustules and cysts. These are more severe forms of acne that can be life-changing (for the worst). Although the former typically don't cause permanent scarring unless tampered with, cysts can often plague their human host with deep and highly noticable scars that are difficult to deal with, especially in social environments. As is the case with less severe cases of acne, people who have cysts and nodules have resorted to picking at them. This is highy ill-advised.

Severe acne lesions form when active bacteria within a clogged pore go to war with white blood cells. In order to combat the bacteria, the body often induces an inflammatory response. When this battle between the WBC and acne bacteira becomes elevated above what occurs in most people, cysts and more severe lesions can develop. While these lesions do not have a colored head, people are for some reason tempted to tamper with them.

Playing with cysts or other forms of pimples lodged under the skin is very dangerous. Remember, that the bacteria within these lesions is active. You don't want to push it downwards so it can go infect other parts of the skin within its immediate vicinity. Even if you manage not to do this, you will be inflicing permanent scarring your skin. This can be very expenisve to fix when your acne does clear.

If you have large, inflammed pimples under the skin, you should see a dermatologist as soon as possible. You may be a good candidate for a retinoid known as Accutane. This medication is derived from vitamin a, and can help control oil production so that the skin can no longer feed acne bacteria. This bacteria is always responsible for cysts and similar lesions.

If you have to put off visiting a professional for another day or two, avoid touching or otherwise poking lesions. Do not use harsh products such as cleanser or toners, and wash your face no more than two times a day and with cold water. Increase your water intake to help your body dispose of toxins so it can concentrate on battling the acne.