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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 21, 2006, at 6:45:28
I have persistently suffered with pimples, ooo, since puberty. I'm 26 now, and I am utterly fed up with my skin!
Its not that I have acute, or bad acne (hence the chronic bit) its just that I constantly have two or three active pimples, with ones fading and the one or two about to erupt - and then some faded scars which do eventunally (after about a year I suppose!) completely fade.
Now I guess I didn't mind too much when I was a teenager in the belief that it would clear up in a couple of years, but it hasn't!
And its begining to really grate and well really get to me.
Any ideas for treatment?
I already use clinque stuff and it seems to help somewhat, but not too much.
Posted by ClearSkies on September 21, 2006, at 23:06:06
In reply to Chronic Acne..., posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 21, 2006, at 6:45:28
I don't know why, but I decided to consult with a dermatologist finally. I did the drastic route, which was a 6-month course of Roaccutane. It completely stops the body's production of oil for the skin. Every part of me instantly became dry. My face starting to heal itself without any other treatment. Clearacil finally worked on the odd breakout that happened.
It was very uncomfortable, to have dry hair, ears, and nose. But it arrested my acne, and it has never returned. I went through this process when I turned 30 (it was my birthday present to myself).
I'm now 44. My skin is still oily but I no longer have constellations of pimples across my face. It helped to improve my self esteem.
Posted by alexandra_k on September 22, 2006, at 5:11:41
In reply to Chronic Acne..., posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 21, 2006, at 6:45:28
Diane
Is a brand of birth control pill that has this side effect of helping with acne. If the acne is hormonal or something. I don't really know. Might be called something different and stuff too...
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 22, 2006, at 6:37:14
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne... » Meri-Tuuli, posted by ClearSkies on September 21, 2006, at 23:06:06
Wow, roccactutane..... thing is, its not specifically bad or anything and I really doubt that docs here would refer me to a dermatologist or anything (I live in Finland and we have public ie free for everyone healthcare) and umm, I doubt I could afford it privately.
But when I turn 30 and I've still got acne I might consider it.
My friend in Scotland has severe acne and she's using roccacutane...I'll pass on your good news about the stuff to her.
It must be so nice to be acne free!
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 22, 2006, at 6:44:19
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne..., posted by alexandra_k on September 22, 2006, at 5:11:41
Hello!
I've tried Dianette actually the pill you're refering to. Hmm, it did clear up my skin alittle bit but nothing really major and its contraindicated in depression actually.
Now personally, I won't touch hormone treatments. I don't like messing with my hormones like that.
Kind regards
Meri
Posted by Jost on September 22, 2006, at 22:34:45
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne... » alexandra_k, posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 22, 2006, at 6:44:19
Depending on the type of acne (esp. good for a worse type than you seem to have, which can often cause scarring), antibiotics like tetracycline are the treatment of choice, for chronic flare-ups.
I used them off and on-- and they worked really well--
Also I actually think retin-a, a topical treatment, which dries the skin, but can be limited to the place where the acne is, also is quite effective. You could maybe use it a few times a week at night on the places where you get it typically. I mean you 'd have to ask a dermatologist, because it's prescription, but that's what I've been told.
Gosh I feel like a font of information tonight.
Jost
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 30, 2006, at 8:47:00
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne... » Meri-Tuuli, posted by Jost on September 22, 2006, at 22:34:45
Hey there
Thanks for the info.
I didn't know Retin-A could be applied onto the skin ....
Yeah, I'm just really sick of my pimples. To be fair, they're not *bad* just I constantly have a couple of whiteheads on the go, with others fading which lead to kinda freckle looking scars, which do eventually fade. I'm just sick of the chronic nature of the acne - I never have a totally clear face.
I think my skin does tend to be quite oily, and I think its the Acne babfakww-whatever bacteria that causes it.
I'm wondering if Tea Tree oil might be the way forward.
Kind regards
Meri
Posted by ClearSkies on September 30, 2006, at 18:12:16
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne..., posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 30, 2006, at 8:47:00
> I'm wondering if Tea Tree oil might be the way forward.
>
> Kind regards
>
> MeriThat works great on breakouts. You can dab it on full strength with a q-tip. It really calms irritated skin down.
CS
Posted by Jost on October 9, 2006, at 5:10:56
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne..., posted by ClearSkies on September 30, 2006, at 18:12:16
I've heard of tea tree (I think). I'm never quite sure what-all it's supposed to cure-- but various kinds of skin problems.
I've got some-- although I haven't used it. Think I may roll it out.
Jost
Posted by ClearSkies on October 9, 2006, at 8:31:20
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne... » ClearSkies, posted by Jost on October 9, 2006, at 5:10:56
> I've heard of tea tree (I think). I'm never quite sure what-all it's supposed to cure-- but various kinds of skin problems.
>
> I've got some-- although I haven't used it. Think I may roll it out.
>
> JostTea Tree oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties. It smells kind of earthy and green. I think it originates in Australia??
CS
Posted by Jost on October 10, 2006, at 20:47:22
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne... » Jost, posted by ClearSkies on October 9, 2006, at 8:31:20
Interesting. I bought some a while back, because of a recommendation from someone-- and then didn't use it, cause I was worried it might not be good for me. Maybe I"ll try it.
How's the acne? (An odd, but not in apropos question, I guess)
Jost
Posted by ClearSkies on October 11, 2006, at 11:45:55
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne..., posted by Jost on October 10, 2006, at 20:47:22
> How's the acne? (An odd, but not in apropos question, I guess)
>
> JostMy acne is presently in remission, thanks to aging and hormones. I just have chin whiskers to trouble me...
Posted by Jost on October 11, 2006, at 17:27:41
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne..., posted by ClearSkies on October 11, 2006, at 11:45:55
Er, I know what works for that, too!
(or unwanted hair of any sort.....)
Jost
Posted by ClearSkies on October 11, 2006, at 21:01:20
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne... » ClearSkies, posted by Jost on October 11, 2006, at 17:27:41
> Er, I know what works for that, too!
>
> (or unwanted hair of any sort.....)
>
> JostGo on.... I'm using Vaniqua, to slow the growth down. It works if I'm not lazy about using it.
Posted by Declan on October 15, 2006, at 16:32:00
In reply to Chronic Acne..., posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 21, 2006, at 6:45:28
Posted by laima on October 20, 2006, at 0:19:07
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne..., posted by ClearSkies on September 30, 2006, at 18:12:16
Why not check with a dermatologist? They have a whole arsenal of help, and expert advice. For example, what if you actually have rosasea? Looks like acne...but acne treatments make it flare worse.
Posted by Lindenblüte on November 6, 2006, at 9:29:34
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne..., posted by laima on October 20, 2006, at 0:19:07
Hi Meri-
You sound just like me! I'm 27 and I always have some bad skin spots, and some days that I just feel like a monster.I have been seeing a dermatologist. Definitely worth it. My skin care routine is complicated, but I've seen benefits. There are the usual things -wash with gentle cleanser. use non-comedogenic moisturizer with sunscreen.
then there are the elements to my routine which are more atypical-
physical exfoliation 2-3 times a week- either using a scrub with grainy bits, or washing with a washcloth, or using a mask
chemical exfoliation. My skin responds well to alpha-hydroxy. I use a gel several times a week. I believe it's 10% acid, which is pretty strong. It makes my skin red and a tad itchy for a half-hour. I use it when I'm at home. But the next day, my bumps and flakes are gone, and my skin feels so much smoother.
Exfoliation is really important, because if you have dead skin cells on TOP of your skin, the treatments, moisturizer, etc cannot get to the living skin cells which need them. Also, the alpha-hydroxy helps to exfoliate the skin cells which line your pores. those dead ones are constantly getting pushed out to the surface. If they get stuck, though, they can block the pore and cause icky pimples and black heads.
Increasing cell turnover- I use prescription retin-a for this. My husband (oilyskin) and I both have acne, so we have a few different strengths to choose from. Tretinoin .05% on strong skin. Tretinoin .025% for more delicate or already inflamed skin. I also have a Rx for Renova, so I might use that too. It's even gentler. Usually I use these treatments almost every night. A pea-sized blob smoothed over cleansed skin- everywhere but the eyes. BONUS- increases the thickness of your dermis (deep skin layer) and so it will help reduce wrinkles and slow aging. DOUBLEBONUS- actually reverses some sun damage when used for a while. My other treatment is a Olay Regenerist Serum. I use this as my eye treatment (they sell a tiny bottle for eyes, but the ingredients are 98% the same, so I'll just save myself 20bucks and use a big bottle. Contains peptides which trick skin into thinking it's damaged, so that the skin tries to regenerate itself faster. Vitamins too. good stuff.
Antibiotic- I have good results from benzoyl peroxide (5% or less) smeared in thin layer all over my face (except eyes). PROBLEM- Benz will deactivate the tretinoin- so use one in the am (benz) and one in the pm (tret). I'm really annoyed, however, that the benzoyl peroxide medicines bleach fabric. I have ruined a lot of clothing, from pulling a shirt over my face- bleached- to sweating in the summer- bleached spots on my chest. I dunno how. grr! I also have a script for clindamycin. A non-bleachy topical antibiotic. I have it in a gel format. Pretty good- just smooth all over face. disappears in moments, then add sunscreen, lotion, makeup on top.
fading existing scars- alpha hydroxy helps. So does hydroquinone. don't use this one for more than a few months without a derm's advice.
preventing scars- as the pimple dries up and gets crusty, dap a tiny bit of neosporin on it several times a day. helps speed healing and minimizes scar formation.
for really deep pimples (cystic acne) -- the tretinoin helps, but these will respond best to oral medication. I have also had a lot of success using a hot water compress- soak a cotton ball in the hottest water you can tolerate, apply to spot for 5 mins, refreshing hot water as necessary.
This is all well and dandy. my big problem is that I pick the damn things, and make everything worse than it has to be. So, I have some psychological issues that affect my acne too.
Diet- omega-3 fatty acids, avoid too much sugar, refined carbs (insulin swings not so good for acne) and maybe a tiny birth control hormone is not a bad idea, if you want. (testosterone increases acne). When I was on BC pills for 5 years, I had very little acne. huge flare-up when I quit, and now I'm kind of better...but still not as clear as when I was hormonally bonkers on BC pills.
whew. sorry for too much info!
-Li
Posted by MidnightBlue on November 6, 2006, at 14:18:35
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne... » laima, posted by Lindenblüte on November 6, 2006, at 9:29:34
You could try BenzaClin a rx combo of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel. And yeah, it DOES bleach stuff! Messed up sheets and hand towels. Sigh...
Posted by Lindenblüte on November 6, 2006, at 21:12:09
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne..., posted by MidnightBlue on November 6, 2006, at 14:18:35
I have a Rx for Duac, which is also clindamycin + benzoyl peroxide. The derm I saw last time asked me how good my prescription drug coverage is, I said- pretty good. She got this little gleam in her eye and said. OKAY! I know exactly what you need! I got Duac and Renova. My pay was 18 dollars. Will someone please tell me why Duac retails for over 100 dollars a tube? The clindamycin was about 20 in the gel, and the benzoyl peroxide (5%) is OTC for 5 bucks. what am I missing here?
I don't like that particular formula, (Duac) because it kind of rubs off when I try to apply makeup or sunscreen and then I look like I have super flaky skin. ugh.
-Li
Posted by MidnightBlue on November 6, 2006, at 22:09:30
In reply to Re: Chronic Acne... » MidnightBlue, posted by Lindenblüte on November 6, 2006, at 21:12:09
The BenzaClin is either $100 or $150 I forget. My copay is $50. It doesn't seem to flake off and is fine under makeup. I'm milking a jar for all its worth!
MB
Posted by dessbee on November 15, 2006, at 8:02:32
In reply to Chronic Acne..., posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 21, 2006, at 6:45:28
The only thing that clears my skin is a low carb diet. (Less than 60 g carbs/day)
This is the end of the thread.
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