Cysts and other skin dilemmas

[SadCystGirl]

Dear Doctor,

I have a few questions regarding both cysts and acne.

Cysts--

The story:

Several years ago I developed a half-pea sized cyst on my back that I showed to a dermatologist, who said that there was no reason to remove it.  The cyst became infected.  I took a course of antibiotics (Zythromax), to no effect (as I'm told because I began it too late).  I then had the infection incised and drained under local, and am continuing on long term daily open wound packing to ensure full pus drainage (along with Keflex).  

The nurse recently mentioned that it is highly likely that the cyst will become re-infected and that there's nothing I can do to prevent this reinfection.  When I asked her why they don't just remove the cyst, she said in that case, the cyst would just re-grow, re-infect (and so on) and that it's best to just leave it as is (waiting to become re-infected). She said the best I can do is vigilantly watch for reinfection and take antibiotics  upon the slightest suspicion.

While this is not cancer, the whole process has been quite painful (the local and the packing), not to mention time consuming and the thought of being destined to a life of infections, incisions, and packings is less than desirable.

The questions:

Is it true that there is a likely occurance for reinfection and/or regrowth and that there's nothing I can do about it?
If so, would antibiotics really catch the infection in time (I've heard that people develop resitances to too many antibiotics, and I've certainly injested my share)?
Or if it's not ture, do you recommend full cyst removal?


Acne--

The story:

I've had tiny, tiny bumps on my forehead since childhood (I am now in my twenties). The bumps are skin colored, giving my forehead the look of shiny sandpaper (although the bumps are fewer and further between). No matter what I take, they never seem to go away (although to some medical credit, they have reduced considerably, as they used to be red and also develop into the occasional, more obvious pimple)

I've been to several dermatologists and taken it all: oral and topical antibiotics, cleocin-t, retin-a, retin-a micro, tazorac, salicylic acid, and other medications whose names I cannot recall. I have not had a chemical peel, nor have I tried accutane, which I understand is for more serious skin conditions and produces significant side effects.

The questions:

Do you know what this is and what else I might try to rid of it? Do you think accutane or a peel is a viable option?

Many thanks,

Sofia

[jessiacre]

i've got a strange lump on my leg that looked similar to a swollen whitehead. When I tried to pop it, pinkish fluid came out, then blood.

[jessiacre]

i've got a strange lump on my leg that looked similar to a swollen whitehead. When I tried to pop it, pinkish fluid came out, then blood.

[JaninePh]

I have had weird bumps on my arms, which sounds like what is on your face. My husband has them on his butt. I have him use a loofah every so often.
Try using a soft facial brush and handcrafted soap, using only plant ingredients. Nothing with goat milk or such in it. You might see a difference. A great tea tree oil soap is at Blue sage naturals.

[sjb]

I just want to second the Dr.'s comment about Accutaine. Please stay away from it. Many harsh "acne" prescriptions can over-dry the skin, and when your skin is dehydrated, your pores will produce extra oil-acne can be a horrible circle.

It sounds as if you have tried all the advice from your Dr with no luck. You may wish to explore other options of a more natural variety-by visiting a REPUTABLE esthetician or spa that can assist with acne issues.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Cysts do not commonly become reinfected.  Antibiotics don't help if they do--they need to be incised and drained.

After one episode, I generally don't encourage people to go for excision, but that's always an option and solves the problem.  The only downside to excision is a scar.  If the cyst really bums you out, then just have it cut out once this episode is over.

I'm not sure what these bumps on your face are.  Apparently your skin doctors have felt they represent acne, which is certainly possible, but if all these treatments have failed, you may want to look into minor surgical or esthetic procedures, such as light electrodesicaation (cautery), microdermabrasion, exfoliating treatments by estheticians, and so on.  A dermatologist and/or esthetician can fill you in.  Accutane would not be the answer.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff