Getty/Design by Cristina Cianci
In This Article
Sometimes, it feels like clear, healthy skin is a trade-off.
But there is another throw in of acne to contend with that goes deeperliterallyand that’s just plain unfair.
Nodular acne is completely below the skin and is the result of extremely clogged pores.
Getty/Design by Cristina Cianci
What Is Nodular Acne and What Does It Look Like?
When the stubborn bumps finally go away, they leave indentationsaka acne scars.
What Causes Nodular Acne?
It can be hard to pinpoint the cause of nodular acne, Dr. Rabach explains.
Idiopathic nodular acne is by far the most common, she says.
If one of your parents has dealt with acne nodules, youre more likely to as well.
Below, she explains these potential causes.
According to Dr. Klein, most often more than one of these causes occurs and leads to nodular acne.
Fortunately, she notes, most of the treatment modalities will complement one another.
Finally, Dr. Rabach notes, certain medications can lead to nodulocystic acne like lithium and oral steroids.
Steroids act like stress hormones, leading to increased oil production.
Something like lithium causes inflammation leading to increased oil production.
Nodular acne bumps are usually skin-colored, and much more firm, feeling like hard knots beneath the skin.
How Is Nodular Acne Treated?
The good news is that dermatologists know that when they see nodular acne, oral medication is required.
Dr. Rabach notes: It is a little more involved because it requires oral medication.
I like to think of it this way: Topical medication can permeate the epidermis only so far.
Nodular acne hides beneath where a cream can’t get, so you need oral medication.
Nodular acne can appear the same color as skin, but can also become red and inflamed.
They’re usually super firm and feel like hard knots below the skin.
Both cystic and nodular acne forms underneath the skin, but cystic acne bumps are softer.
Nodular acne is the result of extremely clogged pores.
Nodular acne: what it looks like, causes & treatment.
Accessed July 11, 2024.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22888-nodular-acne
