Skin care

12 Major Hair and Skin Issues -- Solved!

Get help for everything from cystic acne, bad hair, oily skin, psoriasis and more

by Sarah Carrillo

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Cystic Acne How it happens: Waldorf explains that, "Cysts occur when the sebaceous follicle [or your pore, in laymen�s terms] containing skin cells, sebum [or oil], bacteria and white cells ruptures." This spreads inflammation to the surrounding skin and then your body tries to wall that off. It becomes like a balloon of inflammation. "That's why you should not try to pop them -- you'll just spread the inflammation further," she says.

How to treat it in the short term: "The fastest way to treat individual cysts is with an injection of � corticosteroid by the dermatologist," Waldorf says. The cyst will usually go away in a couple days after being injected. If you can't get to a dermatologist, Waldorf says you can try a benzoyl peroxide or sulfur/resorcinol spot treatment, but know that it will take longer to disappear. (Try: Clean & Clear Maximum Strength Persa-Gel 10, $6.30 or Proactiv Refining Mask, $28.)

How to treat it in the long term: If you have frequent cystic acne, Waldorf says oral antibiotics and topical retinoids can be helpful. Other options include hormonal therapies like oral birth control pills. A dermatologist will be able to prescribe these medications and monitor your situation.

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Older comments

Helpful tips for some problematic situations.

by GigiSD Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 06:54PM Report as inappropriate

Oh yeah, remember to keep your pillow cases washed, especially if you like hair products! :)

by QTNamedT Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 07:10PM Report as inappropriate

Very helpful

by Candice11 Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 02:05AM Report as inappropriate

All good information.

by EricaC123 Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at 01:34PM Report as inappropriate

Thank you for this article. Definitely helps!

by BlackFleur145 Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 03:28PM Report as inappropriate

I'm glad I don't break out hardly. I am allergic to acne meds. I wish they would stop trying to put them in everything.

by Taylerbootz Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 10:02PM Report as inappropriate

Thank you for explaining the cause of dandruff! Understanding the cause really helps to do a better job of control.

by alictasia Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 03:26PM Report as inappropriate

I'm gonna check this out!! PCOS is a definite culprit for me. :-(

by asiagirl4ever Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 01:50AM Report as inappropriate

very helpful! thanx! :)

by MiSSxLusciouSxLokitA Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 01:21PM Report as inappropriate

This may seem gross, but another way to fight dandruff is by applying yogurt to your hair about once a week and washing it off in the shower...it really works.

by thereal_deal Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 06:43AM Report as inappropriate