help! redness, dryness, and pimples!

[lleess]

I have had moderate to severe acne for about five years. For the past year I was taking spironolactone, 50 mg a day, and it worked fantastically well. I was actually getting compliments on my skin and could go out without makeup for the first time I can remember. About two months ago my doctor thought 25 mg would be just as effective....wrong. Within a week my skin was the worst I can remember. Now I am up to 75 mg but my skin hasnt improved at all. Not only am I severely broken out everyday, but my skin is painfully dry, irritated and bright red. Its a catch 22 because I'm broken out, but topical acne medication irritates my skin, and heavy mosturizers make me break out more. I feel hopeless, my self confidence is gone, and I will try anything! I even tried putting visine on my face to decrease redness (which surprisingly worked a little, but that may be in my head...).

I would really appreciate any responses. I'm feeling a little hopeless at this point and have no one to talk to about this, since all of my friends are blissfully unaware of what it means to have bad skin. Please respond with any advise or suggestions!!

[aussie_jono]

Try applying hydrocortisone 1% cream (Aveno is especialy good) in the morning, and your acne medication at bedtime

Use Cetaphil as a skin clenser, with lukewrm water, and DO NOT SCRUB!

[andagi]

Sorry to hear that. It's must been hard for you. From my experience, if the meds irritates your skin, STOP it!

My derm prescribed me Clenia and Benzamycin. Eventhough this combination irritated my skin badly, I still faithfully applied them for about a month hoping they would work one day. I ended up with the worst face ever in my life! My face was terribly dry, red, and painful. Lumps covered my entire face! Entire means 90%! It was a nightmare! I finally stopped using Benzamycin, and changed to Clenia and Azelex about a week ago. I already see great improvement. All the pimples are coming down, and my skin feels much soft and smooth now.

If the meds doesn't do any good for your other than causing side effects, stop it and try something else. Chins up, and stay positive.

[lleess]

wow thank you so much for your responses! im new to these message boards, and feedback is so reassuring.

has anyone encountered the problem i described- of breaking out in response to changing a medication dosage? I'm so frustrated and confused because Spiro REALLY REALLY helped the first time around, and I just keep thinking that if I hadn't listened to my doctor and hadn't changed the routine that was working for me so well, i wouldn't be in this jam now. Should i assume Spiro will work again??

thanks everyone- it means so much to have this conversation!