There isn’t one single cure or treatment for acne. Your condition will be treated depending on the type you have and its severity.
Papules and pustules are often considered to be a mild form of acne. You may be able to treat them with over-the-counter (OTC) products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If you follow the instructions on the individual product, your skin may clear up within a few weeks.
If you aren’t seeing any success with OTC treatments, you may want to speak with your doctor about other options.
Cysts and nodules should be treated by a doctor. These are more severe forms of acne that require intensive treatments. Your doctor may recommend topical treatments, oral treatments, or even a different treatment method, such as light therapy.