Results 1 to 17 of 17

Thread: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

  1. #1
    Member josiejacobs's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2010
    Location
    florida
    Posts
    15
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts

    Thumbs down what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    i've never had perfect skin - a few blackheads here and there, 1 or 2 recurring pimples around the time of my period on my forehead and chin- but in the past week or two i've broken out like crazy and i don't know why. i have a cluster of 4 huge, painful cystic pimples on my cheek that won't seem to go away as well as a few other ones scattered around the rest of my face... and to make matters worse i accidentally fell asleep in my clothes saturday night and woke up with a back full of pimples on my shoulders. so gross.

    i am washing 2x a day with a mild benzoyl peroxide facewash, using natural witch hazel astrigent and noncomodogenic moisturizer, and then using either a sulfur or 10% B.P. cream at night and not seeing any relief. i've done sulfur masks, mud masks, concha de perlop,. etc etc etc, and nothing i try seems to help. i haven't changed anything in my skin routine from before i broke out so i don't know why this is happening, but at 24 years old i feel like i am going through puberty again and it is freaking me out! (and definitely not helping my skin clear up either).

    i am going to try to make an appt with the derm ASAP, but any ideas to help until then would be greatly appreciated.
    Last edited by josiejacobs; 04-26-2012 at 10:24 PM.

  2. #2
    Featured Member FiendishGyrator's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Touring Louisiana
    Posts
    1,915
    Thanks
    532
    Thanked 1,536 Times in 735 Posts

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    sometimes putting mayo on a cystic zit for a few hours (or overnight with a bandaid) will draw it to a head, BUT-- this only works like half the time, but when it works, it's awesome! I have a big one on my nose Don't know where it came from

    Oregano oil and cold pressed coconut oil is also helpful for killing the bacteria.
    Ungoogle yourself:


    Also, now offering phone sexins!

  3. #3
    Member
    Joined
    Apr 2012
    Posts
    57
    Thanks
    76
    Thanked 47 Times in 21 Posts

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    I had the same problem. I had severe cystic acne that got to the point that I got fired.

    Go to your Dermatologist. The sooner you get treatment to avoid it getting worse the better you'll avoid scarring. I can not be anymore serious.
    I ended up on Accutane but because it got so bad I have horrible scarring that I'm going to have to shove a lot of money out to get fixed by a cosmetic surgeon.

  4. #4
    God/dess cherryblossomsinspring's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2010
    Posts
    3,244
    Thanks
    2,454
    Thanked 4,800 Times in 1,707 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    How about some Retin-A. You'll look like hell for a while with peeling and what not but after that your face will be glowing. When I say for a while I'm thinking up to 9 months. Also you'll need a lot of sunscreen because your face will be semi-raw. I'd also suggest getting the clarisonic ( i tried the deep cleaning head) but I think that one is crap since it's too soft. Normal seems to be best for me but you can try different brush heads. Actually they just came out for one that deals with acne. Put those two together and you should be fine. Just remember that Retin-A makes you look scary for some time but the clarisonic seems to speed up getting the dead skin off your face. Also moisturize and moisturize. You may start every night but then take it down to every other night if the peeling is too much.

    Accutane I heard is also good but it has a major side effect of suicide. I know wtf? But that's why most derms are leery of giving that out to everyone. If you've always been a positive-up-beat-nothing-gets-you-down type then they may give it to you. If you break a nail and feel life is not worth living umm they will not even bring it up.

    Also some microderm ( go with diamond tip or sapphire tip only) Crystal microderms could make your skin worse because some of those crystals can get embedded in your pores.

    Hope this helps^

  5. #5
    God/dess cherryblossomsinspring's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2010
    Posts
    3,244
    Thanks
    2,454
    Thanked 4,800 Times in 1,707 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    Some spas have light therapy but not really sure how those work.

  6. #6
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Down Under
    Posts
    2,078
    Thanks
    4,898
    Thanked 2,463 Times in 1,135 Posts
    My Mood
    Cheeky

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    Going to your GP for a referral or straight to the Dermatologist (if you can) would be the best way to go; it may even be an allergic reaction of some kind, but if not, they will be able to prescribe something. In the mean time, all I can suggest is not to go crazy with different skin care products because your skin is already irritated and they may just make it worse (Which Hazel, without alcohol, is natural, easy on your skin and may help to dry out/or bring out the zits). Also, long term-drinking water with Apple Cider Vinegar is amazing for your skin etc and trying to limit/cut out sugar/processed foods from your diet may help too

  7. #7
    God/dess carmen_b's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2007
    Location
    the mountains ....
    Posts
    14,201
    Thanks
    15,165
    Thanked 21,342 Times in 9,306 Posts

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    I'm actually going to make an appt. at the derm too! Mine seems to come and go .... but never just totally goes. I had such bad cysts on my neck a couple weeks ago. I was on accutane 5-6 years ago. I went through so much TIME AND EXPENSE with a derm until I fired him and got a derm to put me on accutane. Skin looked great till about 6 months ago .... damn it.

    When you first go in , they might try more mild things than accutane and hopefully it'll WORK for you. Sometimes even the right birth control can help. I actually had the first doctor pull me off of accutant because I was depressed BUT IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE B.S. PILL that I didn't need since there was no well in hell I was having sex ( I was totally paranoid of pregnancy and sex was not even an option then ). I'm not sure if you are on B.C. but it's good if you are because you need two forms of birth control if you go the accutane route.

    I've also given up most dairy products ( google ... there is a HUGE link to acne and dairy ). I hope my at home stuff ( no dairy , low gluten , washing well , ) will do something .

  8. #8
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Candyland
    Posts
    862
    Thanks
    68
    Thanked 232 Times in 154 Posts
    My Mood
    Dead

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    Eat more seafood. The Japanese have the best skin for a reason. It's all those omega 3's in the fish. If you can't eat seafood, take an omega 3-6-9 supplement (fish oil). I have also found that wetting a cotton ball with salt water and placing it on the cyst for a few minutes really helps.

  9. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to femmefatale88 For This Useful Post:


  10. #9
    God/dess cherryblossomsinspring's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2010
    Posts
    3,244
    Thanks
    2,454
    Thanked 4,800 Times in 1,707 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    Also if you use facial powders you may need to change those sponges, pillow cases too. Even something that in hair products can irritate and clog your pores.

  11. #10
    Veteran Member AriahsPariah's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Las Vegas
    Posts
    442
    Thanks
    402
    Thanked 283 Times in 143 Posts

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    As Americans, we were programmed to believe that skin conditions like acne can be treated on the surface. This isn't the case.

    I've learned that acne is inflammation inside your body, so it's best to treat your acne from the inside out. An acidic body leads to inflammation. Try drinking alkaline water. I prefer Essentia- pH 9.5. Also, change up your diet. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and fish. Leafy greens are very important. If you can't handle eating too many veggies, invest in a juicer.

    You may also have a food allergy. I'd get an allergy test done first before going to a dermatologist. Honestly, dermatologists will only treat you with topical meds and antibiotics or Accutane which will do damage in the long run. Dermatologists are doctors who are money hungry. Ive been to four different derms when I was in my teens and I was prescribed a plethora of antibiotics, Retin-a and Accutane. My acne went away when I stopped putting all the chemicals on my face and turning to natural alternatives. Think about it, a derm will try to keep you his/her patient for as long as they can to milk money out of you. They will change up meds if you find one isn't working. If you find an Rx that works, 9/10 times you'll develop some other condition, visit the doctor and the cycle starts all over again. (Bet ya you never thought of doctors and pharmaceutical companies this way ; )

    Aside from getting your daily exercise, I swear by oil cleansing and facial steaming. You can also work with essential oils like tea tree or lavender. Apply it topically but mix it with a carrier oil first. Coconut oil is ideal for you because it's anti-fungal/bacterial. Again, all natural and super cheap.

    What kind of makeup do you use? If you're putting a whole bunch of chemicals on to cover the acne, this is also a MAJOR contributor to why you don't have clear skin. Turn to mineral makeup with less irritating ingredients. Better yet, don't wear cover up at all.
    Last edited by AriahsPariah; 04-27-2012 at 04:58 PM.
    "Do what thou wilt..."-Crowley

    http://exoticallyneurotic.blogspot.com/

  12. The Following User Says Thank You to AriahsPariah For This Useful Post:


  13. #11
    Moderator Jessie_tinydancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    4,149
    Thanks
    1,307
    Thanked 2,530 Times in 1,295 Posts
    My Mood
    Sick

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    One word: Spironolactone

  14. The Following User Says Thank You to Jessie_tinydancer For This Useful Post:


  15. #12
    Senior Member punkpixie001's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    173
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    Quote Originally Posted by AriahsPariah View Post
    You may also have a food allergy. I'd get an allergy test done first before going to a dermatologist. .
    X100000. I had horrible breakouts that went on for years until I found out I was allergic to certain foods. Some by trial and error, and the others were found out through a kinesiologist. I am pretty much acne free now, but if I do eat those foods I will break out.

  16. #13
    Veteran Member josie's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Detroit!
    Posts
    342
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 26 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    I have HORRIBLE skin. Only two things have consistently worked for me:
    Honey/aspirin mask EVERY NIGHT. Nuke a glob of honey, add about 7 crushed or dissolved uncoated aspirins, and a teeny squirt of lemon juice. I leave on my face every night for about 1-5 minutes. I cannot swear by this enough. Honey has excellent antiseptic and calming properties.

    I also use Retin-A, but I really wouldn't suggest Retin-A unless you've had a LIFETIME of awful skin.


  17. The Following User Says Thank You to josie For This Useful Post:


  18. #14
    Member josiejacobs's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2010
    Location
    florida
    Posts
    15
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    thank you ladies for all your suggestions - i will be trying asprin masks, coconut oil, and fish-oil pills until my appointment. i can't bring myself to cut dairy out of my diet though. i LOVE cheese.

  19. #15
    Moderator Jessie_tinydancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    4,149
    Thanks
    1,307
    Thanked 2,530 Times in 1,295 Posts
    My Mood
    Sick

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    ^ trust me ask the doc about spiro.. I was on it for a year or two (Charlie from here told me about it). I get bad hormonal cystic acne. I once had a pimple so deep it lasted almost 3 months! On spironolactone I didn't even need to wash my face and I wouldn't get 1 pimple - why? cystic acne is caused by androgens effect on sebum. So no topical treatment is going to totally stop it. Spiro blocks androgen. You will also get the benefits of less body hair and less water retention. I was only on it 1-2 years and now I haven't been on it over a year and my skin is still fine. I get a random one here or there but not my entire face like before. So painful! So I hear ya.

  20. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Jessie_tinydancer For This Useful Post:


  21. #16
    Featured Member Mindy Bares All's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Philly
    Posts
    1,069
    Thanks
    248
    Thanked 359 Times in 193 Posts
    My Mood
    Flirty

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    I feel like benzoyl peroxide makes me break out more. I use salicylic acid wipes and cetaphil moisturizer.

    And of course regular exercise always helps too.
    Quote Originally Posted by lagirl View Post
    Those housewives need to stop being vain lushes and making us look like criminals

  22. #17
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    1,881
    Thanks
    3,026
    Thanked 3,426 Times in 1,229 Posts

    Default Re: what is going on with my skin?!? cystic acne, etc.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jessie_tinydancer View Post
    ^ trust me ask the doc about spiro.. I was on it for a year or two (Charlie from here told me about it). I get bad hormonal cystic acne. I once had a pimple so deep it lasted almost 3 months! On spironolactone I didn't even need to wash my face and I wouldn't get 1 pimple - why? cystic acne is caused by androgens effect on sebum. So no topical treatment is going to totally stop it. Spiro blocks androgen. You will also get the benefits of less body hair and less water retention. I was only on it 1-2 years and now I haven't been on it over a year and my skin is still fine. I get a random one here or there but not my entire face like before. So painful! So I hear ya.
    Did you have an issue with worsening breakouts before your skin cleared on this? I've been thinking of getting a prescription for it. I had terrible skin when I was a teenager, then birth control helped to curb it. But over the last year, I've noticed that I have breakouts according to my cycle -.- I really want to get them under control.

Similar Threads

  1. Simple Solution for Oily Skin/Acne...
    By minalynx in forum Body Business
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-04-2009, 12:22 AM
  2. Acne prone skin
    By Luxxxe in forum Body Business
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 02-25-2008, 10:04 AM
  3. Blotchy skin, large pores, acne
    By Kaylinn in forum Body Business
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 08-05-2007, 08:59 PM
  4. Horrible Cystic Acne rant
    By Magdalena_666 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 39
    Last Post: 12-05-2006, 07:05 PM
  5. Cystic acne WTF!!!!! Not happy.
    By kitty46 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 11-16-2006, 07:28 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •