I started getting this subcutaneous cystic 'acne' (I think its more like folliculitis or boils) ever since my UC began in 2006. I would get it all over my face, but particularly in areas where I shave (think the shaving was exacerbating it). I also would get it on my scalp. The boils would start off red and itchy and continue to grow beneath the skin. If I didn't bring them to a 'head' they would spread out beneath the skin and had the tendency to remain in that state - almost indefinitely. They would get very painful and sensitive.
I went to a dermatologist and spent a lot of time explaining my UC and my concerns for whatever 'acne' medication he might try to prescribe. In the end her prescribed me Differin and Duac gel. The duac gel webpage itself says 'do not use if you have UC.' Needless to say that ended my dermatologist appointments.
I began using Head and Shoulders with the active ingredient zinc, shampoo. It has resolved 90% of my problems. Every now and then I still get a bump or two. My process for taking care of these is as follows:
1. Switched to Disposable razors.
2. Do not pick your nose (gross i know) I think it makes it worse - staph likes the nose
3. If you still get zits after using the shampoo, what I do is, in the early stages when it is still small, I rub a lot of hand soap (like dove) onto the zit, wash my face with a washcloth with very warm water and press it against my face. I leave the soap there and let it dry out the skin. I do this daily at night and it sucks all the moisture out of it and brings the zit to a head.
4. Only when the zit has become a whitehead, I use a needle which i sanitize carefully with alcohol, and pierce the zit and slowly 'pop' it. Because these darned things are subcutaneous, you have to make sure that the zit is a whitehead first - or it will just 'expand' under the skin and never go away. When popping the zit, you may have to be patient and wait a while to let the swelling go away and come back and get it all out. Always wash your hands thoroughly.
I know its gross, folks, but it was a big sudden problem for me with UC. I took the steps I did all on my own and they have worked for me. I wish you luck.