From Angela Palmer,
Your Guide to Acne.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD

Definition:

An inflamed acne lesion occurring when there is a deep rupture in the follicle wall. Sebaceous matter, cellular debris, and bacteria spill into the dermis. A membrane then forms around the infection within the dermis.

Cysts feel like soft, fluid-filled lumps under the skin's surface. The most serious form of a breakout, cysts are large, red, and very painful.

Also Known As: Cystic breakouts, cystic acne.