Acne Skin Care | Acne Medication » cystic acne

I'm quick help PLEASE [cystic acne] [acne]

admin — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:57:08 +0000

I have some cystic acne that I tried to pop and it didnt work. my skin peeled off over the really rough and left me with pink skin. does anyone have any idea what I can take to help it heal quickly?

Reply:Don't forget sunblock. That pink skin is very susceptable to the sun (even in the darkest days of winter). It will minimize that brown discoloration that sometimes accompanies a freshly-healed pimple and prevent any further sun damage.

Reply:let the area heal and put vasaline on it… it helps a lot…

Reply:Neosporin…this should help heal and prevent scarring. Forget picking at cysts by the way. I'm a cystic person too and nothing helped but a trip to the derm and RX treatment. Even if you don't pick, those babies tend to scar so try not to touch. Once you've healed, the red mark should fade over time (but hopefully it won't be bad). If you have bad cystic problems and do see a derm, he/she can suggest what's best for treating the red scars (e.g. retinoids, glycolic acid washes etc). Meantime, try the neosporin and a gentle cleanser/moisturizer. Let your face heal!

Cystic acne and cheese . [cystic acne] [whiteheads]

admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:06:39 +0000

Im so happy I found my main cause cystic acne. My face is AWESOME. And cysts are rare and short now. My thing was cheese. Especially melted cheese. I tell you it does suck, but suck more cysts. And it took me so long to figure out why I had cysts all the time, and ate cheese every day, now I know why. : Dunno if P

I as this for everyone, but give up cheese for a while and see if it is your primary cause. Now I got a few lil whiteheads (i pop em) so redmarks are still, but now cysts are rare. Instead, daily breakouts.

THIS GRRREAT IS! : D

I no longer drink milk, yogurt, and drink no milk left in cereals.

Reply:I agree, CHEESE IS EVIL. man I was in love with dairy, and just now I realized it's one of the main reasons why I keep breaking out.
I am never drinking milk.

Reply:Also, have you ever tried rice milk? Rice Dream brand is the most amazing 'milk' – its so creamy and white its just like the real thing!! You could also try soy milk – in particular 'Silk' brand – though rice milk is definately more like real milk than soy milk. (but soy milk has more protein) Neither have ANY dairy whatsoever and shouldn't break you ought.

Reply:Congratulations!!! I'm not sure if you're aware, but there are numerous non dairy cheeses out there that are really good – you ought to check your local healthfood store. I eat a 'cheese' made from brown rice (weird, i know!) but it tastes just like cheese!! I even had a colleague taste it and they thought it was cheese. The brand is (i think) Soyco – in a light blue packaging – but I think they're the only ones who make a brown rice cheese.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that you don't have to give up the texture or taste of cheese just because dairy breaks you out.

swelling and tea tree oil I used last night [tea tree oil] [cystic acne]

admin — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:23:17 +0000

I broke really bad about 2 days ago. I applied some tea tree oil on a cotton ball and applied it to my cystic acne last night. It seems to have helped some with the swelling. These things are really great tonight, but not so bad today. I do not know if this is because the tea tree oil, or as a flattening of hormones (Ive just started Spiro). It is perhaps a combination? The thing I like about tea tree oil is that it does not dry out your skin, such as cleaners can. I think I continue to use.

Reply:From what I've read, you are not supposed to put tea tree oil directly on your face because it is so strong. It's good to hear that some of your swelling went down, but the best thing to do is to mix the oil with a little bit of aloe so it is not so harsh.

Hmm… good point. Thanks for the advice. My skin has become pretty tolerant due to the many topicals I've used over the years I guess. Today, the cysts finally shrunk and came to head. Glad they're going away. It might have something to do with the spiro I took yesterday and today… Though I'm not so sure it works that quickly, or with the tea tree oil. Not sure exactly what it is. Usually, I would still be breaking out a lot more at this time of the month.

DIANE 35 works for my cystic acne . but . [pound weight gain] [cystic acne]

admin — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:23:02 +0000

I used to on this forum after a few years ago, and finally found a cure for my cystic acne after discovering DIANE 35. In 3 months my skin was free of the huge cystic bumps that covered my whole face. But of course with clear skin, I paid the cost of 15 pounds weight gain and mood swings very bad and the loss of sexual drive. I decided to take a break from taking Diane 35 and within a few months my cystic acne is back, I had lost the mood swings and the extra 15 pounds so now Im torn. I just discovered Ortho tricycle-LO has anyone tried it for acne? I just started a week ago and was wondering if anyone has any good results (or bad) . Please help . Thanks

Reply:Fawnb2, what side effects did you experience?

Reply:Did anyone have problems with headaches on diane-35?

Reply:guy:
Thank God…I'm not the only one! My friend had the same thing happen to her..she had a noticable increase in her chest size, but she was small anyway so it wasn't a huge deal.

Reply:guy-Yeah my cup size increased slightly-about half a cup size I went up, I think.

Reply:I used Ortho-tricyclen for two years, and it definitely helped with my acne. I developed migraines with it though and had to stop taking it. I think that is an uncommon side effect, so I would say to try it, but I've read that it's not as effective as Diane-35 for acne. In fact, I just ordered Diane-35 via web as I cannot get it here in the states. Good luck

Reply:I'm also a big believer in Diane-35. I've been on it for well over a year, and I am totally clear. It is the only thing that has worked for a long period of time for me. I've tried everything, been on Accutane twice. Cleared me up, but only for a period of time. I didn't experience many side effects on Diane-35, and I am *extremely* sensitive to BC pills, and medication in general. Didn't gain any weight,although my boob size increased…*lol*…my frame is small, but my chest feels HUGE! Anyone else have this problem?!

Anyway, this is a *small* price to pay for clear skin. Even if I gained 10 pounds, I would use this stuff because i was sick and tired of battling with acne. I guess you have to decide what is most important/right for YOU, for the time being. Everyone's different.

guy

Reply:I'm on Estelle-35 which I think is similar to Diane-35 and it works great. I have had an increase in cup size and maybe a tiny bit of weight gain (not sure though) but that's all for side effects. My skin is clear, I get the occasional pimple round that time of the month but that's it. Now if only I could get rid if the scars as easy.

Reply:Hello
I believe that Diane saved me. My acne was always mild, but very persistent and left me with tons of awful red marks. I never gained weight or experienced mood swings. I also used lemon juice and aloe vera. It took about 3 months and then came to a dead stop. I am in a cosmetology course so it was very embarassing for me to taje off my makeup, I always dreaded it and it is so nice to be able to now!

Reply:hi guy, i was on an ortho-tricyclen awhile ago, and i never gained any weight while i was on it, but it was a big mistake for me. it made me break out a lot worse. i told my GP who had prescribed it for me, and he said he's never heard of it making acne worse before so i stayed on it for about 4 months since he told me to be patient with all these treatments and stuff…but after that i couldn't take it anymore. i went to see a derm and he said that low estrogen birth control pills can aggravate acne in some ppl. so he switched me onto diane 35. i initially liked it b/c it helped a lot to clear up my skin…but i think some of the side effects are really getting to me now. so i have to go back to see a dr. and ask if i should continue taking it or not.
but u never know with the ortho-tricyclen cause everybody responds differently. i guess my old GP had seen good results with it in the past. so hopefully it'll work for you without any side effects.
good luck.

Reply:Yeah unfortunatley Diane 35 has the bad side effects, I mean my face was absolutely clear…maybe a pimple here and there around my period, but the cystic ones were gone, and I had a HORRIBLE case of cystic acne cheeks, chin forehead you name it. So to walk out of my house with no makeup after DIANE 35 was like a miracle, I stayed on it for over a year and my face stayed clear but the side effects got worse. I just couldn't decide since having clear skin was so important to me, but so was my sanity (and my size). So did you experience any weight gain on Ortho LO?? Thanks for your help and good luck to you both!!

Reply:I was thinking about going on Diane…hmmm, don't really want the mood swings or the 15 pounds though (I am very sensitve to birth controls and I develop ALL the bad side effects) I did try Ortho-tri low, but unfortunately, it did not help my acne although the side effects were not as bad as regular ortho-tri. good luck

Reply:Have you tried Spironolactone? It's an anti-androgen, and also a diuretic, which helps with water retention. Just a word of warning though, I did NOT have a good experience with it. I took it with Diane-35 for twelve days and had the worse breakout ever. I have not recovered entirely since. I think the problem may either be I was taking too high a dose (200mg) and it was an initial reaction, or that it counteracted with the Diane. Good luck on whatever you try!

MEDERMA helped my cystic acne! [rodan and fields] [cystic acne]

admin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:16:37 +0000

On another bulletin board I asked if anyone had any suggestions to help me with my cystic acne. I got a response from a girl who said her boyfriend had Guy much improvement using Mederma for his cystic acne, he initially bought it for his scars, but noted that started with cystic acne disappear the more he applied to his scars, although I was skeptical at first because I used almost everything under the sun, I decided to try it . I was with Rodan and Fields Calm line and then at night apply Mederma after 3 steps (only at night because your skin starts to flake, but with a loofah sponge off the flakes come easily in the morning), I have been using the Calm line for about two months and just started with the Mederma for about three weeks is my cystic acne is clearing at a much faster pace, generally they would be there for one week and I notice they are gone in days! I hope this helps, I have this thing called fight acne for 15 years, so you know Ive tried everything! PS I started the light therapy and keep you posted . also, frankly, I was almost hesitant to my appointment today because I think the steps I can help in this, then every time I think I offer the acne monster he beats me, but Ill keep my fingers crossed;)

Most of the information you need to know in these two books. [ortho tri cyclen] [cystic acne]

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:52:03 +0000

Reply:Hi Colleen,
Using a BHA cleanser is useless, the BHA needs to be absorbed into the skin. Try the Neutrogena nightime salicylic acid treatment, it is a gel, it contains 2% salicylic acid or also known as BHA in it. Paula makes two of her own. Her prices are great. I am Canadian so I pay the difference in the dollar and it is still a deal. She gives you your moneys worth. Just do a search for the name cosmetics cop or Paula Begoun. Do yourself a favour and go to your library and pick up her newest editions of Don`t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, or her Beauty Bible. It contains the most valuable info. that you need dealing with skin conditions. You can also find info on her site. Just do a search. Have anymore questions just let me know.

Reply:I don't know if you would know this or not…I am using a 2% BHA cleanser then a BPO. My main thing I am wondering about is whether or not I am getting the full benefits of BHA by using a cleanser?

I'm surprised the road is printed on Accutane Patients [clogged pores] [cystic acne]

admin — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 23:50:07 +0000

I took my son to the dermatologist the other day. He has acne, but usually clogged pores and pimples. No cystic acne, thats for sure. The doctor put him on doxycycline, but really push the Accutane. I was shocked when I had read and heard about the psycotropic effects of the drug. Since then Ive done more reading and it seems very dangerous drug that is certain for him contraindicated for a variety of reasons. My dentist told me that another dermatologist had tried Accutane pressure on his children, and he was not part of the lake.

I can tell if youre really serious acne and have tried everything (even then I think it is a frightening drug) but it seems that the doctors are very nonchalant about it.

Reply:It was recently proven that Accutane is NOT the link to depression or other psycological problems, as once thought.

Really? I have never found such a study or studies. Thank you for your kind words. However, my son has some bone issues which make accutane clearly a no no for him. Course the dermatologist never even considered that.

Reply:Hey Shea,
I am pregant too. I used to be on accutane but stopped when i wanted to get PG.
I cant wait to go back on it. Dont be scared of accutane I was on a low dose for years and i was perfectly fine.Dont be scared just stop at least 6 months before you want to become pg.I dint break out really badly just had a little flare up went away quikly. Are you using anything now . I am on oral emycin benzamycin at night and azelex in the am.I was assured thier safe but am still nervous

Reply:I am very interested in accutane. I am pregnant right now but my doctor said something about trying it after I have the baby. I have mild acne but nothing will get rid of it. I have tried lots of things because I am scared to try accutane. Especially in my childbearing years. I was wondering If most people break out really bad when they start and how long you have to stay on it.

Reply:i had to ask for it too!

Reply:The derms I've been in touch with normally provide Accutane as a last resort, the so called A-bomb to acne treatment. They're normally try to put you on oral and topical antibotics/retinoids for a period of time 1st and advise you on the types of foods that might flare up your acne. None of my derms have pushed Accutane on me, in fact it's always been the other way around. I've always asked them about prescribing Accutane since I know what works for my body (and antibiotics doesn't cut it). I've had four courses of Accutane and I still continue to break out after about 6 months off the treatment. I've seen my friends get "cured" by Accutane after one round however I've had no such luck. Certainly the long term side effects of Accutane are a concern, but maintaining a healthy low-fat diet while you're on the pill is definitely a must. Unfortunately, unless the derm provides natural/herbal supplements for your acne, all prescription drugs will have a side effect – that's just something you'll need to manage on a case to case basis.

Reply:i turn 31 next week and so wish that i had been able to go on accutane 15 years ago, would have saved me 15 years of shyness, heartache, self-conciousness over my skin, not to mention countless thousands of dollars on stuff that didn't work.

Reply:Cassie you could not be more right!!!!

Reply:Yes I agree, I was put on a wide range of antibiotics, magic creams, and other medicines by my derm for nearly two years. We tried everything in the book. He would mention going on Accutane each time I wanted to try "something else," but my mom at the time wanted to try everything before Accutane. Well, as I said in my other post, once I went on Accutane, both my mom and I wish we would have listened to the derm and went on Accutane sooner instead of wasting money and my health on antibiotics and creams that didn't do ANYTHING. Sometimes I think that the derms who DON'T put their patients on Accutane and instead push hundreds of other products (that usually dont work for severe acne) are the REAL dogs… in the long run, they know the acne won't go away using all the topicals and antibiotics, and that the patient will have to keep running back to them for "another cure." Lots of derms know the powerful success of Accutane, and I think that may worry a lot of derms because once clear, they'll lose a patient! (Just a theory). :p

Reply:Sadend has a very good point. The antibiotics that are given out to acne patients have many side effects, especially if you plan to be on them long term! I was on amoxicillin for about 5 years and recently went off it 2 months ago. My skin is turning back into what it was before I started it so I obviously haven't out grown it but the side effects that I had w/ the amox weren't good. (Nasty yes,) but I basically had a yeast infection year round for the last 2 years I was on it. My thumb nails are now ruined (beau's ridges most likely an effect of the amox). I'm starting doxy, and although it's only my second day, I feel nauseous (sp).

Try searching for "long term side effects of periostat" and you'll find articles on the long term use of antibiotics leading to an increased risk of breast cancer and other interesting things. Not that I'm saying that accutane is safer than antibiotics. I just wish my doctors hadn't told me that it was perfectly fine to be on them so long.

Reply:Before my derm gave it to me i musta tried 2 oral and 6 topicals over 3 years.
Plus in the long term antibiotics damage your system more then accutane.
Accutane is amazing and gave so many people back their life. With any medicine there are good and bad. But there are many nutty people on the net who can scare you half to death

Reply:WOW!!

My dermatologist only gives out Accutane as a last resort!!! You gotta go through a whole bunch of different medicines (topicals, antibiotics, cleansers) before she'll give you Accutane. But from y'all's posts, it looks like there are those who freely give it out. I find that kinda scary since it is a very powerful drug and has numerous side effects. I guess all dr's are different though….

Reply:Im on it now and ive never had severe acne and yes Ive tried numerous other ways to cure my moderate acne. Even if you dont have cystic acne moderate acne can still affect and often ruin your social life. Im trying to put acne behind me and if this is the only way to go then i can deal with the side effects. No depression so far. On my 3rd week.. . .

Reply:Accutane is the only thing that really works. While acne might look moderate to a parent its Horrible to the person suffering from it. I have used virtualy every topical oral herbal acne product on the market for my mild-moderate acne nothing helped i just kept breaking out till accutane.If I would have never gone off of it if not for wanting to get pregnant. As soon as i give birth i will be right back on it.Acne is not cosmetic is a very upsetting condition. It causes low sense of self worth and depression. Dont knock accutane and if anyone wants clear skin its the only answer even though its not a cure.Also doxy and minocycline have side effects too.

Reply:I was very scared of this stuff as well because of all the stuff I had read. I've been on it for almost 5 months with NO problems at all besides a little dry skin. When I say NO problems I also mean no acne!!! I'd trade acne for dry skin everytime!!! I so wish I had considered this stuff earlier. I suffered way too long trying meds that don't get to the root of the problem…the root being the fact that my seb glands (and everyone elses reading this) are too large and produce too much oil. Isotretinoin (accutane) acts by shrink glands, hence dry skin.

I would seriously consider it but also seriously watch for side effects if you decide to take it!

Reply:I agree, no derm should prescribe this for moderate acne, especially to a teenager.You should make an very educated and personal decision regarding accutane. My personal opinion is that most of the people who have had horrible side effects have not taken the time to learn about the drug or to take care of themselves as advised by a doctor. Personal responsibility is key. I see post all over this board, kids on accutane that don't have clue one about the possible side effects and their parents don't bother to listen either and then are mad when something happens to their child. When I see "why am I breaking out?" "why is my lips/skin peeling" "how much can I drink on accutane" "Why am I having hair loss" you should know all these answers before you start your treatment. Someone like this should not be on accutane. As with any drug their is a small minority who just can't take it no matter how well they take care of themselves. It all comes down to personal responsibilty and most people don't want to take any, just pop a pill. That is why the rest of us have to jump through hoops to get on a med like this, its pretty pitiful.

Reply:It was recently proven that Accutane is NOT the link to depression or other psycological problems, as once thought. Also, yes, Accutane can be a dangerous drug, but when monitored correctly by your dermatologist, it is a prayer come true for so many people with acne, and not "just" the ones with severe acne.

I do agree that many dermatologists' push the Accutane thing, but it really is the closest thing right now to an acne "cure." It really is a miracle drug. The most common side effects are dry skin, lips, and eyes, join pain, nose bleeds and headaches. Some people experience these symptoms to the extreme, others do not. When I was on Accutane, I had dry lips and slightly drier skin, but that was it. When I went in for my blood tests (to check liver enzymes) they were always perfectly in check. My skin cleared up beautifully!!! I was so depressed about my skin before Accutane (to the point of staying in my room crying almost everday) but after Accutane, I was a new person. Accutane actually not only cleared my skin, but my depression as well!

Perhaps Accutane is not the best path for your son right now, but if his skin progressively gets worse, I hope you don't completely rule out Accutane in the future. My mother was very, very skeptical of me going on Accutane (I was 17 at the time.. almost 21 now) for the same reasons you are skeptical of the drug. But finally, after my constant persisting, my mom reluctantly caved in. After I was done with the treatment, and my skin was soo clear, my mom said she wished she would have let me do it sooner b/c it was SO worth it. It was a relief for all of us.

I understand your concerns with Accutane and pushy dermatologists. Just know that Accutane, for many, many people, is a tolerable drug that gives one of the greatest gifts of all – clear skin! I don't mean to sound like a commercial for Accutane or something, but it just worked so well for me, a few of my friends and even my now boyfriend that I will forever be a fan of the drug – if ever my acne got bad to the point it used to be, I would go back on it a heartbeat.

I commend you for researching the drugs your derm suggests, that is always a wise decision to do your own research before jumping head first into anything. But keep an open mind about Accutane in the future! Good luck to you and your son, I wish him the best. Tell him to hang in there, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel!

Best wishes

Tell your Accutane results! [cystic acne] [accutane]

admin — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 03:39:35 +0000

Hey everyone. Ive all with Accutane for about 3 weeks now. My skin is so soft and smooth. My story . I had moderate cystic acne. I am 23 years old female) and began progressivly worse when I turned 20. Before I was just a few at a time, but Ive always been of the greats. Anyway, I tried evrything . antibiotics worked for a while, OTC topicals stuff. So I went on accutane in January and stopped my course at the end of May It was about 4 and 1 / 2 months. I started @ 40 mg and not more than 60 mg. (Im a light weight 120 pounds) event. The worse symtoms I had was back pain and hip pain. it started the last two months actually. I have dry, but I stayed with my lip balm. I used Aquaphor every night in my nose and lips. I even started to Apuaphor a bit before I started Tane who helped. That stuff is great! I used a really bad nose bleed problem but I didnt get one, while on Tane because I use that stuff religiously. in both directions. For me I did not break out first. my skin started clearing the second Mon My skin was so good thats why I think he just to let me do and 5 months. I cut it about two weeks, because the short back pain is about me. in my mind for the rest of my pack to take a lower dossage but Im kinda scared to do that. Anyway. Now my skin is amazing. her softly. no seat. some of my oil starts to come back around the folds of my nose, but thats it. are enough to make my skin more than relieve the drought. I had very oily skin. So for everyone else! Let me know what your story!

Reply:I have already posted this somewhere but I will do this again in hope that someone will benefit. I am on the last month and have taken it for 4 months. I still have a pimple, some under the skin things and red marks. I am also having some pretty serious side effects including numbness in my lower left leg and some mild depressed days. not to mention the usual: fatigue, dry lips, eyes and muscle aches. It doesn't appear to be a miracle drug for me but I have only 8 more days so I'll stick it out and see what happens. :rolleyes:

Reply:5 full courses of Accutane. 5 failures.

Reply:Ive been off accutane for a couple of weeks. While on it I had extremely chapped lips and dry hands, arms and face. I stopped getting cystic acne about the 4th month.
I went for 6 months on accutane and since I have stopped it is coming right back. Nothing cystic yet, and hopefully not at all. But pimples still sucks.
Anyway, I'm glad everyone else had goodluck with it…I wish it would have worked the same for me.

Ashlie

Teen wants to take Spiro! [free testosterone] [cystic acne]

admin — Tue, 31 May 2011 22:51:23 +0000

Hey everybody! I tired everything and I am about to ask my doctor if I could take Spiro. I am positive I have hormonal acne, even though blood tests taken u0026 said I had a lot of free testosterone. I was wondering what the proper dosage should be . I am 17 and have a very oily skin with a bad cystic acne usually around the jaw line. Oh yes, I also acne on my back and chest, not spirometers help with that too? Any info. would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
: p;): D: clown:: cool:

Reply:Forgot to mention the body hair. I have a lot of excess hair on a lot of unwanted place. Spiro did help to thin out the hair. It never banished completely. You want to make sure you gradually stop taking spiro or you hair will come in worse. I became pregnant and had to stop right away….hair is worse.

Reply:I took spiro as a teenager and found that it definitely helped my acne, weight problem, mood swings, and my periods. I'm not sure about the dosage. I know it wasn't very high. Sorry I can't help you out there. I just wanted to let you know that spiro worked for me!

Reply:I just wanted to ask some questions about spiro. Does it help with body acne, like the back and shoulders? What foods should i avoid while taking it! Thanks!!

Reply:Hi alphamale & thanks for replying. The thing is, I think I have to much free testosterone & I really don't think the diet will help me. I would also like to use spiro for body hair. I have tried a diet before though! I eliminated everything with sugar, breads and white rice, but with no avail. I was thin to begin with and that diet made me extremely thin & I was starving! Right now, I still try to eat healthy. I don't drink soda, just water everyday….hardly eat junk food & try to eat a lot of vegetables & fruits. Thanks though for the info!
:wave:

Reply:High free testosterone is great for muscle building and sexual performance, do not lower your testosterone. To get rid of the acne, try the Atkin's diet, it completely got rid of my acne. Follow it to the letter, that means adding the carbs back on a controlled schedule. Some people think they can go without ever adding the carbs back but you need carbs to function optimally. I'm nearly certain it'll clear up your face.

alpha

Internal pills for cysts [bumps under the skin] [cystic acne]

admin — Tue, 31 May 2011 11:49:16 +0000

I get these bumps under the skin, that has the potential to become very big and red and purple leaves marks. I take drops by Dr. Raekgwon (they are homeopathic) them at bay, but if I stop using them after about a week or so I will flare up. Or is anyone using anything has contributed to the treatment of cystic acne?

Reply:I get these bumps under the skin which have the potential to become very big and red and leave purplish marks. I am taking drops by Dr. Raekgwon (they are homeopathic), which keep them at bay, however, if I stop using them after about a week or so I will flare up. Has or is anyone using anything that has helped treat the cystic acne?

accutane is used to help clear cystic and nodular acne. look into it if you can but talk to your dermatologist first.