A cyst is a closed sac-like structure containing fluid, semi-solid material, or other contents and usually lined by cells or tissue.
True cysts can develop in many parts of the body and have numerous causes. The term is often used in everyday descriptions of severe acne, but not every deep or painful acne lesion is a true cyst.
For this reason, dermatologists may use terms such as nodular acne or nodulocystic acne when describing severe inflammatory acne rather than assuming that every deep acne bump is a true cyst.
QUICK FACT
“Cystic acne” is commonly used by the public, but a painful deep acne lesion is not necessarily a true cyst.
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