Acne

For years I have been suffering from Acne. Im am now 21 and its really getting me down. Ive tried loads of different face washes etc, at the moment Im using a St Ives exfoliating wash which seems to keep my skin free of oil. Im also using an oil free moisuriser.

However, Im still getting outbreaks of spots around my chin and jawline, which can be very painful. I started a new job yesterday and broke out in huge, red painful spots. I was so embarassed and just hid my chin all day, especially as everyone else I worked with seemed so perfect, which made me feel even more self conscious. I just feel disgusting all the time, like everyone is looking at my skin.

Ive reached the end of my tether, I dont know what to do next. My diet is pretty good, so I dont think its that. I also drink lots of water. Ive been told the spots are probably be hormonal. I am on the pill and dont really want to come off it.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what might help?

Reply 1

friendlyneutron

11

Have you been to see your GP about it? I got given Isotretinoin, it's like a clear gel that you apply - it can be a bit strong for some people but it completely cleared up my spots!

Reply 2

TOD100

Honey and nutmeg rubbed on your face for a while?

Motherless Child

Reply 3

friendlyneutron

11

Why honey and nutmeg?

Reply 4

TOD100

http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/skin_disorders/acne-blackheads-home-remedies.htm

here are a list of ideas :smile:

Motherless Child

Reply 5

TOD100

friendlyneutron

Why honey and nutmeg?

No idea - the doctor on 'This Morning' was talking about it briefly the other day.

Motherless Child

Reply 6

TOD100

29. Grind some nutmeg with milk and apply on affected area. Pimples disappear like magic without leaving a mark.

I put honey and nutmeg for acne into google and clicked the 1st hit which is the link above. On that site number 29 mentions nutmeg, but no mention of honey..

Motherless Child

Reply 7

tbm

OP

13

Ive been several times, when I was about 15 they put me on the pill for my skin and that helped, but then they said I couldnt have any more of that particular pill. Ever since then Ive been back and forth about my skin but they always used to say it would get better with age, which it hasnt. I last went about a month ago about my skin and asked for something to help, but they dont take any notice of me. Think I will go back and ask again, as Im getting really fed up now.

Reply 8

fabulous_darling

15

Shout/kick/scream at the doctors until they give you something. Someone I know was actually severely depressed because of his acne and so he went to see his doctor and was put on anti-biotics which were very effective.

Reply 9

kate86

8

Apparantly, if you follow all this stuff (and im not sure that i do myself yet!) the places where you get spots on your face are linked to other problems in different parts of the body.
You would need to look this up, but from what I remember, spots along the jawline (which is where mine always manifiest despite the rest of my face clearing up!) indicate problems in the functioning of the liver or kidneys, cant remember which one. And by looking into ways of solving that problem, you should find your skin clearing up. Also spots in other places might be related to say digestion problems for example.

Sorry this post is very vague, but just thought I would add my bit.

Reply 10

Chris.

1

Go to see your gp and go from there, they will start on topical antibiotics or something and try different stuff until something works or at least helps. If nothing does they'll refer you to a dermatologist, they can give you something almost guaranteed to get rid of spots but is quite dangerous and hence a last resort.

Reply 11

miss_buttercup

ive spent a gud part of my gap year workin in a pharmacy so i hope i can help.if ur female and ur acne is quite severe there is a pil named 'dianette' which works wonders, it basically re-balances all ur hormones and also works as a contraceptive. if u dont want the contraceptive properties or ur male oral antibiotics such as erythromycin taken twice a day are just as effective! some doctors are more reluctive than others to helping people with acne, just remember to be firm and that it wont clear up over night. hope this helps xx

Reply 12

NickNack

1

goto ur GP and ask for Sebomin MR (old name Minocin MR) - ive used it for ~4 years now and it works great, no side effects. just one a day

Reply 13

JayD

1

Yup im on Minocin MR too. been on it for about 10 months ish and mine has cleared up. Plus i always find that the sun helps ... so take advantage of this weather.

Reply 14

tbm

OP

13

If you stop taking these drugs, will the acne come back? Or does it clear it up for good?

Reply 15

Herleif

have you been to your GP at all about it?

Reply 16

tbm

OP

13

Yes I have, they told me it would get better as I got older. My doctor put me on Dianette when I was 15, which I took for 2 years, then I was told I couldnt have anymore. The last time I went (about 4 weeks ago) he said he couldnt give me anything, on the day I went my skin was having a good day though, which was typical, and I told him that too. I am definately going back though to see a different doctor, tomorrow if I can get an appointment.

Reply 17

FireFlea

I think there are a lot of pills and treatments that your GP can give you which will help, I think that's the most important thing that you should focus on doing.
Aside from that, there are things that you can do to help. I used to have bad skin but my skin is really sensitive to what I eat. For my skin to be clear I need to drink at least 2 litres of water a day. Any junk food or alcohol or cigarettes give me spots, and even if I avoid all of those, if I don't get enough fruit or vegetables then I get spots, so maybe you should bear that in mind. Vitamin supplements also help me.
I also use a Garnier range specially designed for spots, and unlike a lot of treatments available off the shelf, this range really helps me. It's the range called Garnier Pure, and I use the facewash, moisturiser and toner every day. They also do something specially for spots called Pure A and it's for night time use, it gets rid of my spots in like 2 days, you could try all of these. I also find that facial saunas, facials and face masks specially for your skin type help.
But like I said I think you should ask your GP for something, and different things work for different people so it's a matter of trial and error. I hope at least some of this has been helpful!

Reply 18

clairey87

1

I went to my GP about the dreadful acne on my back and she gave me antibitotics but they didn't work. Then she gave me a roll on type thing but that didn't work so she referred me to the dermotologist. The dermo gave me a gel called "Isotrexin" which was really good.....my spots haven't completely gone but they're so much better. There's an even stronger acne treatment the dermo can put you on. Go to your GP :smile:

Reply 19

friendlyneutron

11

clairey87

I went to my GP about the dreadful acne on my back and she gave me antibitotics but they didn't work. Then she gave me a roll on type thing but that didn't work so she referred me to the dermotologist. The dermo gave me a gel called "Isotrexin" which was really good.....my spots haven't completely gone but they're so much better. There's an even stronger acne treatment the dermo can put you on. Go to your GP :smile:

that's what i'm on, it's a miracle worker! Nothing else worked for me either, and the roll-on I was given was horrible, it used to wash off in the shower (funny that) but i could taste it as it did so ... :puke:

Acne

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