I’m sorry to gross you out, but I’m hoping for some sympathy/advice. For the record, I have an appointment next friday with a dermatologist, so I’m not seeking medical advice. Just some general words of wisdom.
Short story:
Never had skin trouble, ever. Last 4 month- plagued with awful acne(?). I break out primarily on my chin, some on my shoulder blades (not much). It is painful and horrible looking (as you can imagine). A friend of mine had the same thing happen when she got to be 30 (my upcoming age), and her Dr. gave her a prescription for some skin stuff. He told her that no amount of scrubbing with anything would matter- neither would wearing makeup, as it’s not a clogged pore thing.
Anyone else had this problem? Do me a favor and don’t make fun of me- my sister has already been asking if I have the “flesh eating banana disease”. (bitch)
Zette
“If I had to live your life, I’d be begging to have someone pop out both my eyes. Just in case I came across a mirror.” - android209 (in the Pit) Zettecity
Voted “Most Empathetic”- can you believe that?
I’ll forward this thread to my mom, Zette–she’s a dermatopathologist, and knows enough about dermatology to give you a little bit of info as to what you might have and what may be causing it.
However, my gal breaks out (on her back, especially the shoulder blades), and it does resemble acne, but it’s not.
She’s been to the local reputable dermatology clinic of Dewey, Skinnum, and Howe, and they’ve said it’s not acne, and that they aren’t exactly sure of what it is.
They gave her some topical creams, and they seem to deal with pretty well.
But here’s the interesting part: It seems to be related to stress in her case! She had been very unhappy in her previous job, and the breakouts were pretty constant.
When she left that job last year, the breakouts practically went away within a week, and hardly ever show up anymore.
Doesn’t prove cause and effect, but it was an interesting (possible) correlation.
(OK, the skin clinic name was made up, but everything else is true and serious.)
Zette, you have my sympathies—been there, done that.
Sounds hormonal to me. There are several conditions that can cause an uproar in hormone levels (polycystic ovarian syndrome is one example), so it may be worth getting checked out by your GP. Of course, the dermatologist may also direct you that way.
Even if there is no underlying condition, your hormones do undergo some major changes at different points in your life.
Know how you feel ZetteGirl, my face decides to grow an extra chin every now and again… it’s not like the one I have doesn’t stick out enough. Helps to balance out the curling iron forehead burns tho…
My MD gave me some medication that seemed to help. A gel you put on and it clears it right up. I am sure yours will give you what is the right thing for your skin type.
I really try to be good but it just isn’t in my nature!
I can relate and I feel for you. I’ve been plagued by skin problems in the past, too.
I’ve used dermotologist prescribed creams and they work really well quickly. The problem with them is that you cannot expose your skin to any sun. And for an active person like me, that sucks. Also, the chemicals in them are really strong (read the warning label - it’ll seem like a drain-cleaning agent).
I get a facial every month to clean out the bacteria (that’s what causes acne). I use Remede Rinseable Cold Cream and the Remede Energy Cream to clear up any zits. These products are amazing - my skin is (for the most part) clear, soft, glowing and extremely elastic. I only suffer minor breakouts around “that time of the month”.
I won’t comment on the hormonal aspects that may be causing the problem because…well…because I don’t want to get hit! Buuuuut, I think what you need is a nice Caribean vacation Zette. Mjollnir mentioned stress as a possibility and I think sea water is the all time best acne cure ever. So, take a week off, relax and do some swimming. If you don’t come back acne free, at least you’ll feel better about it.
Run to the bedroom,
In the suitcase on the left
You’ll find my favorite axe.
I’m not a doctor and I don’t even play on t.v., but, I had a friend who had similar symptoms and it turned out to be a staph infection (which they were able to clear up, but I’m not sure how).
If the doctors can’t figure out what it is, maybe suggest they check that?
Again, though, I really don’t have any clue what I’m talking about! :rolleyes:
It sounds from your description as if you have cystic acne. If you have big nasty red swollen bumps that hurt, that would suggest that the acne is cystic. Cystic acne is different from regular acne and most topical treatments don’t tend to work very well.
Some things that could be causing it:
Hormonal changes, as already mentioned.
Birth control pills (which are hormones, of course)
Other drugs. (There are several psychoactive drugs that can cause cystic acne.)
Dietary changes.
The evil acne fairies.
Effective treatments can include:
Getting rid of whatever is causing it. But you may not be able to figure out the cause, or the evil acne fairies may be doing it.
Antibiotics. These work well, but who wants to be on antibiotics indefinitely?
Accutane. This treatment is reserved for the most severe cases. (Your case does not sound really severe)
The problem is that dermatologists often want to treat the symptom (acne) not the cause. Therefore, they might give you antibiotics or strong topical solutions to fix the acne symptoms, buy won’t help you figure out and fix the underlying cause. Portwest is right–an internist or a GP may be more helpful. Or you may be lucky and get a great dermatologist.
Either way, you do have my sincerest sympathy, 'cause I’ve been there and it sucks! (I ditched the birth control pills, and the problem cleared up.)
Green,
That’s exactly what this sounds like. I’m not on the pill, I’ve always been under a lot of stress (so nothing new there), and I don’t know of any enviornmental changes. I can’t wait to get this cleared up, that’s for sure. Especially after having 29 years of clear, nearly perfect skin! Now I look a mess. Thanks for the advice! At least I feel like there’s hope, and no one else will think I have the flesh eating disease.
Zette
“If I had to live your life, I’d be begging to have someone pop out both my eyes. Just in case I came across a mirror.” - android209 (in the Pit) Zettecity
Voted “Most Empathetic”- can you believe that?
Cystic is nasty & is caused by lots of things. Ask the older women in your family if they every got it. It’s caused by a staph bacteria that we all have a tiny amount of but under stress its multiplies like crazy.
There is also infected hair follicles. Which is another matter.
