What type of acne is characterized by cysts and deep inflammation?

Cystic acne is specifically characterized by the presence of cysts and significant inflammation beneath the skin's surface. This condition involves large, painful lesions that can be deep-rooted, leading to swelling and redness in the affected areas. Unlike other forms of acne, which may consist of blackheads or superficial pimples, cystic acne is usually more severe and can result in scarring due to the severity of the inflammation and the depth of the cysts.

Comedonal acne primarily presents as open or closed comedones, which are non-inflamed blackheads and whiteheads, respectively. Papular acne features raised inflammatory lesions that are smaller and not cystic. Hormonal acne typically relates to fluctuations in hormone levels and can manifest with various acne forms, but it does not necessarily equate to the deep inflammation and cystic structure seen in cystic acne. Thus, the defining characteristics of cystic acne—namely the presence of cysts and intense inflammation—confirm that this is the correct type of acne associated with the symptoms described in the question.