Sudden acne controlling my life??

[wishful006]

Does anyone feel like acne is ruining their lives, or that they are being controlled by it??

I am 21 and never had acne in the past. It all started mid-April for me. I started breaking out more and more. Was put on minocycline for 6 weeks only to have it get progressivly worse. I am also on the same topical that I have been on for years (benzaclin). The derm has tried almost every other topical on the market, and now I am on oral antibiotic Bactrim RAB (for the past month). My skin is severely scarred from the past acne red marks, and the new breakouts (although they have slowed a little bit), are still very prominant.

I spent the whole month of May in my house. Didnt leave unless I absolutely had to, which was only to the doctors basically. I took a medical leave from my job, and I still have not gone back. I used to love the summer time, but now I cant be in the heat for more than a minute without sweating and getting anxious that I will break out more from it. Plus, everyone can see how bad my face really is during the day. I have a wonderful fiance of 6 years that delt with me being a hermit and sleeping the days away for nearly two months. Just within the last few weeks did I start to venture out because he finallly said that he had enough with me changing so much and not being myself anymore, and started seeing someone else. I wanted to prove to him that I was at least trying and that I was going to do anything it took to get him back. Reguardless, I cant make plans ahead of time for anything because it all depenRAB on the condition of my skin. I am no good to do anything if I am going to be upset all day after forcing myself out. I keep telling myself that it will go away, that I will be able to see my old self in the mirror again, but it doesnt seem to be letting up, and now I am scarred from it. Does anyone else feel like their acne has put their life on hold like this????

 

[Smartpants]

yes! i could have written your exact post...cant say much to help you as i am in the exact same position...for years i had moderate (but persistent) acne...through my teens and twenties...tried everything, it finally seemed to subside but now i am getting horrible breakouts on my chin from ingrown hairs...it has ruined my chin and definitely putting my life on hold...i stay in as much as i can and avoid people at all costs...have gone as far as to put black drapes throughout my house and have the lights turned off in my office (only left one on so i can see) as i cant stand to be seen under the lights...it is the feeling of hopelessness that is the worst for me as ive tried everything and nothing works...had 26 laser hair removal sessions and the problem has only got worse...

sorry i cant help you more but it helps me to know im not alone..

 

[whenitrains]

I have responded to your posts before...and yes,I definitely have felt the same way as you for many years through out my life.I wish I could tell you that it would magically disappear soon.But there is still more you can try,so hang in there.And remeraber, you aren't alone! Even if it feels that way.Acne is something MILLIONS are dealing with.

I'm not trying to make you feel bad,but your BF is kinda a jerk if he left you like that.You go through worse things in marriage then that and if he can't handle a little thing like this,maybe you are better off without him.I'm just sayin'...

People who don't have acne have a hard time understanding where we are coming from.It is like living with a disability,for real!

I'm thinking maybe you need to try things other then topicals since they aren't helping you much.
You may have something bigger going on with you and that is maybe why your acne is being "resistant".

If you are taking birth control pills,then you may be on a kind that doesn't go well with you or has too many androgens.
If you aren't on any,then getting on one that has low androgens can make a serious difference.

Question~Is your skin very oily? Do you have any other symptoms~oily hair,facial hair growth,a deep voice?

If you answer yes to any of those, you very possibly have too much testosterone.(like me!) Spironolactone may be just what you need.It blocks DHT testosterone in women which is the harmful hormone causing acne and other male-like qualities like facial hair and oily skin.

Your derm may not be in a hurry to prescribe it,because it works great for many women and then they lose you as a customer! So if you can't get a derm to prescribe it,you may try your Gp.


I really,really,really think you should look into getting on an antidepressant though.It just helps you not care as much about the acne or make it seem like the end of the world.
Acne is listed as a MAJOR reason for depression!!! An antidepressant can help you regain some of the control you have lost because of your acne.Some antidepressants are also good if you are a "compulsive" picker and squeeze your zits.
It may seem like I'm way off base here,but personally acne has caused me much depression and anxiety.There is nothing wrong with having the tools to ease some of that.