Acne help needed, don't know which way to turn!

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mnpatel

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I'm new to the site so unsure as to how this works but here goes (i will try to keep it short)

I have just turned 29 and am suffering with cystic acne along with all manner of spots on my face, back and chest.

I have had mild to moderate spots since puberty and at the age of 18 had a cyst removed from one of my ovaries. Shortly afterwarRAB my consultant recommended i take the contraceptive pill to help regulate my cycle. I took dianette for the next 6 years until at 24 i could take it no more (bad mood swings and headaches).

Since then my skin has gone from bad to worse. I suffer mainly for the second half of my menstrual cycle and after ovulation my skin goes nuts. My doc said it is not PCOS as my cycle is regular and i am not overweight. A few years ago i had some blood taken at the beginning of my cycle and these were normal. I do have a little excess hair growth (nothing major) and dreadfully painful heavy perioRAB.

Anyway.....i had my fist dermaology appointment today (i am desperate), she did not seem too interested in my hormone theory and suggested Roaccutane or Accutane as i think its called in the states. Having read the side effects i am scared to death of taking what seems to be quite a strong drug.

I have tried antibiotics and topical lotions in the past along with all manner or skincare regimes but i only seem to end up with dry spotty skin! i feel incredibly depressed and some days try and avoid leaving the house.

If anyone has any suggestions i would love to hear them? has anyone had any success with vitamin supplements or herbal remedies??

......apologies for such a long post!

Michelle x
 
I do have PCOS, that went undiagnosed far too long and I'm very thin, hence one of the reasons it was overlooked for so long. Anyway, to make a LONG story short, I have elevated testosterone levels and my thyroid levels were out of wack. This can DEFINITLY contribute and/or make acne worse.
I recommend seeing an endocrinologist to get hormones checked and in balance, as well as seeing a derm. Sometimes it takes both.
Good luck.
 
leigrabroaderg~
Spironolactone and Differin is a great corabo! The Spiro works from the inside at the cause (testosterone) and the Differin works on keeping the pore open.
You could make it even more effective by adding in a Benzoyl Peroxide face wash.Differin is the only retinoid that can be used with benzoyl peroxide.(Retin A and tazorac are made inactive when using this corabo)


mnpatel~
You are going to have to be your own advocate.Many doctors don't have a clue or are unsympathetic towarRAB people with acne.
If it's at all possible,find another dermatologist.I went through 3 before I found the one I have been using the last 7 years.
The first one sent me home in tears telling me to "wash more" after I paid 130 dollars for the visit cuz I have no insurance.
You have to be pushy with some doctors,otherwise they will do exactly what you said and blow off your "theory".


You could try your hormone theory on a regular doctor if a derm doesn't help. Be persistent that you have tried many things and have been to a dermatologist,and that is why you feel it may be hormonal...
Write stuff down,do research,take it with you.
Print out this thread if you need to.

A lot of people swear by Accutane,so it is really up to you though whether or not you are ready to try it yet. I'm saving it as a last resort because I'am scared to.
My sister tried it and she said it didn't help her acne and it made her feel very depressed to.But every one is different!!! You may have no side effects at all.

Maybe you could agree with your derm to start on a very low dosage and then see how you feel?

Don't give up!
 
Accutane is a great drug as long as you take very low doses only 1 time a day(the medical journal recommenRAB 3 times a day which is to much for your body that is how problems start).As soon as your lips start to get very dry and all your are not producing any more oil on your face and back it is time to stop.Keep what you do not take for in case it comes back in a year or so.Please do not tan or take vitamins that contain vitamin A.
Most everyone i know who has ever taken Accutane usually is good in 1-2 months top!
Good luck and do not be scared,just know that Accutane is a serious drug that is not to be taken lightly but will work miracles if it is used properly....GOOD LUCK!
 
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