Acne - treatment/medication

Christina1982

Hi
I'm 30 and for years I've had terrible spots/boil like on my face and body and in September I was finally diagnosed with acne (but a kind that flares up, is hard to get rid of and spots reappear in the same places)
I was prescribed dalacin 1% topical solution which did help but if I didn't use twice daily spots would appear
When I went back to drs I asked about oral options and as I was due more of the 'pill' I was given dinette for 3 months (I was on it years ago and it was god) however I'm on my 2nd month and its made no difference really plus I had a thumping headache(migrane like) for nearly a week while I had my period and my breast are nearly constantly sore, swollen and heavy! So I'm going to ask to go back to my normal brand!
I have changed my skin care which as helped but I still need sons thing prescribed especially as the spots make me really self conscious/down and even less confident than normal
I'm looking or more options, can anyone advise me on anything?
I'm going to the dr on Friday morning so thought it would do no harm to ask here!

stclair

Have you asked your GP about doxycycline?

http://www.nhs.uk/medicine-guides/pages/MedicineOverview.aspx?condition=Bacterial%20infections&medicine=doxycycline%20hyclate&preparationDoxycycline%2050mg%20capsules

mucklebones

I could have written this myself 6 months ago, and after being back and forth to doctors and trying almost everything. From cheap to silly expensive, I have found 3 products from the neutrogena range have completely cleared my skin up. The 7 day rescue exfoliator, the wash/mask and the blackhead clearer. I make sure I wash an extra time in the day too since my skin seems to pick up dirt from everywhere so fast.

I understand how frustrating this is and how down it gets you, am 31 now and didnt want to be battling with spots at my age. I think its a matter of trial and error, really look at your diet too, I started lifting weights and eating very clean, Im sure both of which have also helped. x

Good luck.

Christina1982

Not heard of that will research
I've tried every spot thing you can buy and things work then my sensitive skin reacts! So I'm very limited what I can use and I reacted with neutrogena have looked at foods etc and no change
I drink approx 2 litres+ of water a day at least and first thing I do when I come in from work is wash my face, it's the fact they go huge and I mean huge!

oopsadaisydoddle

I have the same issues. Mine is due to PCOS. I currently have Duac cream which has been ok for the past couple of years.

I have tried all sorts - expensive ranges and cheap and nothing has really worked. I have just started using acne.org's 'the regimen'. You can use their products or you can use off the shelf ones with it.

I am currently using Boots Simply Sensitive Foam Wash and the moisturiser in the same range. I also use my Duac on place of the Benzoyl Peroxide they recommend. Have only started it in the last few days so can't really give an opinion yet, however I have noticed my skin looks less angry using the products for sensitive skin.

I have also just ordered some new make up by Lily Lolo. I had been using Bare Minerals which I thought was good but I have noticed my skin has been really pimply since starting to use it. A colleague of mine mentioned that it contains an ingredient called Bismuth Oxychloride which is known to be acnegenic. The Lily Lolo was recommend by some fellow MSEers after I posted for advice last week.

To add; my colleague also the one who mentioned the Boots cleanser after she had done extensive research into a solution for her acne.

Christina1982

Well I got my old pill (was just as good and didn't give me headaches etc and oxatertracycline for sports!!! Great!!!!
A colleage mentioned neutrogena today so going to have a look tomorrow or Monday
What range is best anyone know?!

teaandcakeordeath

I second Oopsadaisydoddle.

I follow the acne.org regime with off the shelf products- currently using No7 foaming face wash for oily/ normal skin, cicaplast baume by la roche posay (available from boots) and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide or the differin gel that I was prescribed by my GP. This worked after I'd filled my bathroom bin with bucketloads of products that didn't work or made matters worse.

I developed acne on my cheeks and chin (boil type and whiteheads) practically overnight when I turned 29 and it totally ruined my already low self-confidence (especially as I can't wear make-up in work so couldn't even attempt to hide it). I tried SO many different products so my advice would be:

1. Don't go searching for a miracle product- they don't exist!
2. Give any skin care regime you go for at least 3/4 months before you write it off- the same applies for medication.
3. Don't be attracted by high concentrations of harsh ingredients- for example your brain might tell you that 10% benzoyl peroxide is better than 2.5% but higher concentrations tend to trash your skin leaving it cracked, dry and very sore.
4. read the acne.org website regime advice- honestly it makes sense, works and you can adapt it to what works for you.

HTH and good luck.

xxxdarlingxxx

I have been using the Proactive range with Duac gel and have had not one spot in the last year. An amazing transformation.

Hope you find your own routine that helps x

cherylsurrey

I had the same experience, my doctor gave up on me and had tried everything,I was getting large cysts in the same places on my face, taking 1-2 months to go, leaving me scarred and unable to got out makeup free.

For another condition totally I was put on antibiotics (Feb 2012), which got rid of my acne, something I was not expecting just an added bonus, I then used the acne.org regimen to stop the spots coming back as I know in the past every time I have been put on them the spots always return, amazingly it has worked.

I use gentle products and the benzoyl peroxide morning and night, the antibiotics definately kick started the process in my case though.

JenC

Have you had allergy testing? I started getting Cystic Acne so went for allergy testing and found out I'm allergic to a number of things, and certainly know about it if I cheat! I also have lymecycline antibiotics which has really helped. I've cut my alcohol comsumption right back (3 drinks this year!) and that has made my skin much clearer and less greasy too. Good luck

AprilLady

I've had a problem with massive spots for ages too (I'm 29), and I read somewhere that dairy can make acne a lot worse. I've cut out all dairy from my diet (really hard - I miss cheese so much!) and it's made a lot of difference. My skin's still not perfect, but it's a lot better. So maybe, like others have said, there might be something in your diet that's making the spots worse?