Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
I have two very large cysts on my chin area right now. (I usally have at least one decent sized cyst on my chin). My derm. gave me Accutane (40 mg I am 115lbs.) I took one pill and totally went spaz-matic and told myself that I would not take it anymore. I am just to afraid of the side effects. I know it's awful but I read somewhere that Accutane is radioactive and it causes your hair to fall out. Not to mention that it really has not been on the market all that long. I know I shouldnt believe it, but I am always like, "What if?".
I never went on antibiotics because the derm. told me it would render my birth control pill practically useless. And my husband told me they never worked for him. My husband totally does not want to wear a condom (I agree) so I didnt do that route. Right now though I am just so depressed about my skin that I dont know what to do. I have been taking B5 for a few months that has seemed to help with the oil, but that's about it.
If antibiotics will work I will take them. Please let me know of anyone with cystic acne has been helped by antibiotics, and if so how long it took to work.
<IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif"> I wish I had enough courage to take Accutane, I would probably love the results! <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif">
Thank you!
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
Chevyfan,
Someone once told me that antibiotics do not help to prevent cysts. But for the two years (yes, that long) that I took Erythromycin religiously, I didn't have any bad cystic breakouts. Nothing ever had a chance to get really inflamed (unless I ate something I shouldn't have).
I stopped antibiotics for about 1.5 months and have now returned to them because the cysts came back.
I once tried Accutane, but one week's worth of 40 mg caused me pain in my stomach muscles. So, I stopped taking it.
My husband and I always use a condom. And, according to my trustworthy ob-gyn, using antibiotics with birth control is still more effective that no BC pills at all. In fact, he said that antibiotics effects on BC has been somewhat exaggerated, especially since you can stagger the times at which you take the two.
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
Just like JenK, I was antibiotics for awile. I took mino for about three months which helped clear up my cysts. But then it felt like my skin was becoming resistant to the antibiotic. My cysts all came back. The doc told me to then up my dosage. I looked at him and wanted to puch him in the face. I don't want acne forever...I stopped antibiotics and realized it was the worst thing that I ever did in my life. Antibiotics only suppress the problem and then you acne comes back and it might come back even more. Then I switched to topicals and better health. It worked temporarily and then I broke out with painful cysts again. I'm now on accutane. I've used everything and anything and hopefully accutane will save my face. I'm sick of going to derms who won't prescribe me accutane. My dad took me to a doc who did. The only thing is that he wasn't a derm but instead a general doc. The doc told me that many derms just want to get rich of you. They don't prescribe accutane because they are afraid that it will work as well as they don't want to deal with any lawsuits if anything happens to you. The doc also told me that only accutane can cure cystic acne. Nothing topical will work and antibiotics will only be a temporary solution. I've been on it for 1 week now and I have way more cysts that before I started. But everyone has told me that your skin will get worse before it gets better. I just know with accutane that at the end of the course, I don't have to put up with cysts like the way I do now. It's the pimples and zits that I can handle, it's the cysts that I hate. I was wondering (JenK or anyone else), what should I do with my active cysts on my face right now? Do you guys have any advice. As far as I know, I shouldn't be putting anything on my face, as it can be irritating while on accutane. I have a cyst that has come to a head but the cyst actually has two heads. Also there is another bump under my cyst which is scaring me. I was also wondering, when cysts come to a head, is that a good thing? And what should I do?
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
Thanks for the reply. I am sick and tired of these cysts. I am 22 and my acne has only gotten worse. I get so sick of hearing people say "Accutane is awful and you will loose your hair, vision etc.., try the natural route." Like I want to take Accutane? Hell no!!!! I am scared to death of this pill and now I feel that I may HAVE to take it because it is my last resort. A lot of people that I talk to are telling me that it is poison for your body. But give me a break, I am 22 and it has only gotten worse, I have tried the natural route, and it did ok, and then I broke out bad in cysts again. I am so glad though that there are people like you that can relate! I know what you mean about the cysts, I totally would not mind having "normal" little acne. The people that have that do not realize how lucky they have it! I dont ever mind when I have a few little pimples, it's just those quarter sized cysts.
How many cysts on average did you get before the Accutane? --And how old are you?
Relating to your question, I took Accutane for only one day and it dried out my skin and brought some stuff to the surface. I dont care what anyone says, if I continue to take it I will "spot" treat the big cysts. I hate those things, I am not puttting the stuff all over my face, just the cyst, which I dont think will matter, because if you cysts are anything like mine, they take forever to go away.
Do you like Accutane so far? Any bad side-effects?
Thanks!
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
Listen Chevyfan,
I hate to be the bringer of bad news... but most likely, your only resort is Accutane. Sure, "home remedies" work for some, antibiotics work for some, but accutane will be the best chance you have. It's normal to be skeptical about taking medicine, especially something as powerful as accutane, but you've only tried it one day. You are miserable because of your face, yet you think about your hair falling out? I was afraid of the same thing before I went on accutane last year... but in the end, I figured I would much rather wear a wig than have to deal with a broken out face.[just kidding, but you know what I mean..] And yes, I did experience hair loss. For about three months my hair fell out in handfulls, or at least that's what I thought. Everything is ok now.. my hair does not shed like it once did, and I have a clear face. And it feels good. It will boost your confidence so high to see and feel baby-butt smooth skin. I really think you should give accutane another chance, it's really not bad as you may think.... don't listen to everyone else's horror stories... it could work wonderfully for you.. just give it a try, you can always stop taking it if you don't feel comfortable about it. Good luck
Anna
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
Hey,
It looks like me and you are on the same level. Good to see you wrote back. I'm 24 right now and have been suffering from cystic acne since 20. The last 4 years acne has taken over my life. I recieve cysts only on my forehead. I have never had one anywhere else. My temples and forehead are scarred pretty bad from prior cysts. Over the years I have used topicals like retin-a micro mainly for scars rather than cysts. Then what happens?? I break out with cysts again. It's a visious cycle. So now I have decided to take care of the acne once and for all. Let me remind you as well, I don't have any pimples or zits...just cysts. Can you believe that? At least GOD spared me that. After years putting up with different derms, I decided to go on accutane. No derm ever wants to put me on accutane. They always say "take this pill (usually an antibiotic) and put this on your face every night. NONE of the topicals I've used: erythro, bp, retin-a micro, do squat for cysts. The orals are just temporary. I did some research on accutane, and it works great if you have cystic acne. It's actually only prescribed to cure cystic acne rather that mild to moderate acne. In that case, I have a cure. So far I have been experiencing a cystic breakout (2 cysts...in the same place), dry lips, itchy skin, back ache, and problems sleeping. As far as the oiliness...my skin is oilier than ever. I think its all the toxins pushing out of my skin or it's my body adjusting to it. I'm using no moisturizer and I have tried to spot treat the cysts and all it did was irritate it and make it more inflammed. So I wouldn't advise you to spot treat, especially with antibiotics. As far as the side effects go...there's a lot more out there that people suffer thru. I weigh 140lbs but only on 20mg. I will be on 20 for 2 months and then 40 (20 twice a day) for the next 2 months. As far as scarring, I heard that accutane will help since it peels off your skin thru cell turnover. I wash two times a day with purpose cleanser and then dry. Oh, I forgot...My cysts usually last about 2-3 weeks until they flatten and they are very deep and the size is about a 1/2 inch...hope this info helps...
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
It sounds like you haven't had children yet so this is your big chance. But it sounds like your mg. is too high to start out with. I've heard of people even taking 10mg at first then moving to 20mg and being cured of acne. I also know that if you take antibiotics during the first few months of accutane it can help stop the initial breakout from accutane. I feel you should talk to your doctor and have him give you a lower dosage.
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
Please CF, take the accutane... the bad (and overtly exagerrated) aspects of medicine always frequent the internet... especially now since america turned all herbal (in a stupid and ignorant way)
Of course reading about accutane in this board will also result in more bad than good,because if accutane did work for them, there is a less chance that they would be looking for answers than people who accutane didnt work for.
If you know your derm fairly well, and think that he/she is competant, then trust his judgement. They will do frequent checks on you to make sure nothing is wrong
Please try it, i know my brother is regretting his choice of not taking it.
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
Thank you all for your advice. I really dont think you guys know how much I appreciate your support. I dont know what I would do without this board. Thank you again! I hope I can get enough courage up to take another pill. Thank you again!! I cant say it enough!
Also, sorry to bug you all, but do you think Accutane is ok for me? My skin is not that oily in the first place, actually almost a little dry sometimes.
P.s.
My derm is an idiot, cant really ask him questions.
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
I've been on 3 different antibiotics. Not one of them worked! At first I would have an improvement, but then my face would break out all over again. I have cysts on my lower cheeks and my derm wants to put me on Accutane. I believe it's not worth it. The acne will still always come back. I've read that Accutane does more damage to your body than good and might even be taken off the market. It may work for some people, but I'm not ready to take that risk.
Chevy Fan, I have the same type of skin as you(not really oily and sometimes dry) Hope I helped. Good luck to you! <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif">
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANTIBIOTICS DON'T DO JACK **** FOR CYSTS, PLEASE DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THEM! I was on antibiotics for a year, they only made things worse (tetracycline for 6 months and erithromycin (however u spell that) for 6 months), didn't do ANYTHING, I mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. However, I have been on accutane (80mg/day) for about 8 weeks, and am finally starting to notice results! I'll update in another couple of months, hopefully my body will be clear by then.
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
I am with the ones opposing antibiotics. I have used several in the past and they didn't do anything for me in the long run. Besides, I think they do more harm than good over time. As far as Accutane, I won't touch the stuff either. I'm sure it's negative effects are hyped up, but I'd like to have children in the next 2 years and I'm not taking any chances. I don't even know if Accutane would be my best bet anyway because as like several of you, I don't even have oily skin. Some areas are even a little dry.
I really don't know what to tell you. I guess you just have to weigh the pros & cons and go from there. Good luck!
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
Hey Chevy,
Are you male or female?? If your a male, "I think" you shouldn't think twice. The main side effect is birth defects and liver. The birth defects only happen if taken by a women and pregnancy occurs while or 2 months after. But on the safe side you should wait at least a year. That's why many docs prescribe the drug to males in our age rather that females.
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
I am a female, I know it's hard to tell by my name. I never had cystic acne either untill I was about 20 also. I never got it untill I took Orto Tri Cyclen. I hate that pill, and wish I had never taken it! I had wonderful skin, but than I had to go and take that pill two years ago! I am so torn on what to do. I think I may take it again, I mean it has been on the market for more than 10 years, they would have found out by now if really bad stuff did happen. --You know like those weight lose pills they had on the market? They yanked those things off the shelf fast after a few people had serious side effects. I guess people with out cystic acne just dont understand, especially when you are in your 20's. I have a decent job and when I see clients it is so imbarresing to have big bumps on my face. All that I can think of is that they are looking at the cysts I have. I know I dont have horrible acne, just a few cysts, but they hurt and leave scars. I guess if I want them gone, I have no choice but to take the Accutane. Thanks everyone for the advice on antibiotics, I am glad I didnt waste my time!
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
hey chevy,
my wife has the exact same prob as you! she is 27 now and never had acne till she went on ortho tri whatever it is. she really only gets cysts...but as you know they are an absolute nightmare to treat!! she was in tears this morning just looking at her face. i feel so horrible that there is nothing i can do for her except support her. she is the most beautiful woman i've ever seen but it's how she sees herself that is the problem. she has tried everything short of accutane and will stay away from that since we want kids with in the next year. the antibiotics didn't do jack, all OTC products suck for cysts, proactive was useless for her, the vitamin routine has done nothing and she is trying acnease now and it seems to be doing nothing either <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif"> i just pray for her everynight that this freakin acne will get under control!!!! GOOD LUCK!!
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
Kperk,
You are so right! Noone can ever imagine how hard it is to have cysts. The only choice those of us with cystic acne seem to have is Accutane. What an emotional struggle to have to deal with!
My husband is the same way as you, he always tells me I am gorgeous and that I dont even have bad acne, (that's a lie). He is just trying to make me feel better. For women though I definatly think there is so much more pressure for us to look as good as we can. My husband and I can go out in public and he will have a huge zit on his face and noone will look or say anything. But, if I have a big cyst (like I always seem to have) people are totally looking at me.
I totally identify with your wife, you should tell her to come on this board, it feels a lot better to talk to people going thru the same thing. It makes me so angry that I ever took Ortho Tri Cyclen. If I would have never taken it I wouldnt have to take Accutane and I would still have the wonderful creamy complexion I used to have!
Now I feel that it is my only choice <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif"> Your wife must be going thru so much stress right now. I totally feel for you both. In a way my acne effects our marriage. I am always depressed about it, and I never want to go anywhere. I feel that I am so ugly and dis-figured because of this. My husband says that I need to stop letting acne control my life, but it's so hard not to when everything (especially for women) is based on looks!
Good luck to you and your wife, please tell her to come on this board, it will make her feel so much better.
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
thank you so much for your response.
your husband sounds like me...i tell her all the time that i don't even notice her acne but she says i'm full of it and just saying that because i love her so much. she says the same thing about ortho...it just makes her so mad that a pill did this to her. there is no way i can tell her not to let it bother her beacause it is just so much eaiser said than done. she spends so much time caring for her skin and the cycle of cysts just will not end. sometimes i look at her after she does he make up and see the tears swelling up in her eyes...it just upsets me SO much to have her feel this way. i spend a good 3-4 hours a week online doing research on acne but everything we try just does not work. oh well...well just keep trying. i'll tell her to come on these boards...i think she likes me doing the research but i think it would make her feel alittle better to read that other are in the same boat as her. her big thing is that she is 27 and feels like she has a teenage problem...gets so embarassed <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif">
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
Kperk,
Please tell her to come on this board. I would love to talk to her, It is so hard to talk to people about this problem that don't have it. I totally agree with her, I am so sick of having a face worse then a teenagers. And it is so nice to talk to people that are in our age group, and married with the same problems.
It is extra frustrating when it seems like the only choice we have is to go on Accutane. I totally dont want to take it, but I am going to. These cysts leave huge scars and hurt. I have no choice if I want to try and get rid of them. I know you said you both are going to have kids soon, but maybe she should think of Accutane. I was VERY concerned about pregnancy after Accutane and posted a message on this board a few days ago. You should check it out, it is under, "Does anyone know of someone that has had healthy kids after Accutane, or had them themselves?" I think it's on page 2. A lot of people wrote back some encouraging stuff. But, I totally understand if she doesnt want to go on it. Everything that you have told me about your wife, I have been through and am still going through.
Yes, you do sound like my husband. That is why my husband is my best friend and the person I love more than anything in the world. I would never have gotten this far emotinally if it where not for my husband. He even told me that if I where not able to have kids because of the Accutane he wouldnt mind or blame me, just as long as I was happy.
I hope you have a nice day!
Re: Do antibiotics work for cystic acne? Or, are they a waste of time?
i'm 31 yrs of age and always had some acne. then it got worse and i was getting cystic acne. along my jaw and chin area. they were horrible. what even made it worse for me was ortho-tri-cyclene. i insisted my b/c pills were changed. it has gotten much better. i've gone to a derm who has given me cleocin t lotion, retin a and bp 10%. i've even used erythromycin gel. i've been through it all except tetrycycle (sp)
anyway...here is what i started finally doing. increasing my water, taking flax seed oil. putting tea tree oil on them when they started to form, if tea tree oil didn't do the trick i would use zinc oxide creme. oh yeah....here is a wonderful product from GNC health food store - it's called a zit stick. it has tea tree oil, vitamin e, and some other stuff. it also act as a conceler. this stuff is a miracle worker. anyone could email me if they have any questions ;-)
