Cystic Acne Doesn’t Heal Itself — But We Know What Does

Painful breakouts that linger beneath the skin aren’t something you should ignore. Cystic acne is not just cosmetic — it can be physically uncomfortable, emotionally exhausting, and difficult to treat with basic products. While many over-the-counter options may seem promising, they often fail to address the deeper root of inflamed, cystic breakouts.

At Chevy Chase Dermatology, Dr. Margaret Sommerville draws from over 15 years of experience in both medical and cosmetic dermatology to help patients manage complex skin conditions like cystic acne. A graduate of George Washington University Medical School, she completed her dermatology residency at the University of Michigan and has received multiple national recognitions. Her evidence-based approach helps patients get real results without aggressive or gimmicky methods. 

Why Cystic Acne Needs Professional Treatment

Cystic acne occurs when oil and bacteria become trapped deep under the skin, creating large, painful nodules. These breakouts don’t respond well to standard acne treatments and often lead to scarring if left untreated. Treating cystic acne requires the right blend of medications, procedures, and follow-up care.

What Makes Our Acne Treatments Different

Unlike one-size-fits-all skincare routines, our treatments are fully customized. Each treatment plan is designed to match your skin type, lifestyle, and acne severity. Here's how our approach stands out:

• In-depth skin evaluations: Every patient receives a thorough assessment to determine the cause of breakouts.
• Prescription-strength therapies: We use topical and oral medications proven to reduce inflammation.
• In-office procedures: Options like extractions or cortisone injections help relieve painful nodules quickly.
• Preventive guidance: We teach patients how to maintain results without damaging their skin.
• Scar prevention strategies: Early intervention lowers the risk of long-term discoloration and scarring.

These strategies work together to calm active breakouts and improve the overall condition of your skin.

Can Cystic Acne Leave Permanent Damage?

Yes, without proper care, cystic acne can lead to long-term texture changes, dark spots, and scarring. Picking or popping these lesions only increases the chances of permanent damage.

Working with an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Sommerville reduces your risk and improves skin health over time.

Why Teens and Adults Trust Our Acne Care

Cystic acne doesn’t just affect teenagers. Many adults experience hormonal breakouts well into their 30s, 40s, and beyond. That’s why we take your history, hormone status, and stress levels into account when building your care plan.

We help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how to stop it from progressing.

Take Back Control of Your Skin

You don’t have to live with painful, stubborn breakouts. Contact Chevy Chase Dermatology in Chevy Chase, MD, to explore proven cystic acne treatments that work. Call 301-656-7546 today to book your appointment and feel confident in your skin again.

Category: Acne Treatments

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