Frustrated with cycstic acne

[missyjta4]

I'm 38 years old and have adult cystic acne on and have for 12 years. I have been through three rounds of accutane, which all treatments worked well for approx. three years, then my acne came back. Now it is worse than ever before with painful cysts on the right side of my chin and forehead (currently have three that are under the skin and throbbing). I've been on tazorac for two months and doxy, which I just quit taking the doxy because it made my stomach feel bloated. My acne seemed to improve after about three weeks on taz, but know it doesn't seem to be helping at all. I also started taking spiro, but I'm not very hopeful with that either. I've been doing lots of research about cleansing and balancing hormonones with herbs. However, this sounds like a long process. I'm afraid by that time I may have permanent scarring. My derm has recommended a fourth round of accutane, but I hate the side effects and know that if I don't find the root of my problem, by acne will return. I'm looking for anyone who has been through this frustrating cycle who has had any success. My fiance and I broke up six months ago (which was when my acne started full force again), and I want to date but feel so self-conscious. People that don't have this problem do not understand. I just want to cry everytime I take my make-up off and my 12 year old asked me if I was going through puberty, lol. I've also read info about Zenmed, which is along the healing from the inside out. I have another appt. with my derm in three weeks and I'm having blood tests of my hormones. Hope to get a better answer besides four times with accutane.

[DixieDoodle]

I too have a problem with cystic acne. I'm 47 and have already had laser resurfacing surgery to minimize all the scarring I have because of the cysts. I had that surgery about 5 years ago and I already need it again. I've also tried everything to help clear up my face to no avail. I notice that whenever I'm under stress, I get cysts. If you find something that helps, please post because I would be very interested in anybody's success treating cystic acne. I think my dermatologist gave up on me and my acne and I guess I gave up too because I got sick of paying a doctor and not getting any results.

[Cathy01]

I am 47 and have had alot of problems with acne cysts. I not sure if this is what has been helping me but I started taking capsule of borage/flax/fish oils for a few different reasons and I havn't had any big problem cysts lately. If one does seem to be coming on I also have started using ice on it to keep inflamation down. Also have been using a vit c and acne serums I purchased from mychelle cosmetics. I found them on-line recommended from a different acne/skin forum. They are a bit pricey but I use very sparingly and the small bottles I purchsed have now lasted about 5 months and still some left.I just use a few drops at a time. I also use their face scrub, I think its lemon grass or something...really strong smelling but nice.

[babygurl77]

Hi everyone..
i too have dealt with cystic acne...i did do a round of accutane last year which was great..im also on diane 35 bcp...BUT i am planning on coming off of it this month or in january..im seeing a naturopath to help me with this transition...as i am very worried about the acne coming back..esp. the cysts...
i have altered my diet dramatically...first, i cut out dairy...dairy can be a major culprit in acne..think about it...alll the hormones in dairy products that we are putting into our bodies..
plus i dont eat gluten as i am sensitive to it...the dr thought i have celiac disease but i dont...but i have cut out gluten...
these are two culprits that could affect your skin...
i personallly have pcos (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which one of the symptoms is acne...so basically i have to control my insulin in my body with the foods that i eat in order to keep it stable...
i also take a few supplements...vit c, calcium magnesium, iron and omega 3 oil
maybe try altering your diet to see if there are any results..
i never used to believe that diet could affect your skin...but if diet can affect every other part of your body, why wouldnt it affect the biggest organ (skin)
also..i have heard that people who eat oranges tend to develop cysts..i personally have not tried that but its worth a try...

[leonidas]

Ask a doc for erythromycin.

I'm 34. I had accutane treatment when I was 25. Before that I'd get big, fat cystic acne in different spots, esp. my forehead. After accutane, my forehead has been clear for the most part. The benefits of accutane lasted for a few years, but around a year ago I started getting the cystic/nodular stuff on my cheeks, around my nose.

I want to get another course of accutane but have to wait a few months. The tetracyclene antibiotics did ok for a while, but then stopped doing anything.

Long story short, the best thing for me, right now, is erythromycin. Lack of sleep is my biggest problem, and with the erythromycin, I have mild acne. (I don't want ANY.) But even when I get nodules or cysts after a crappy night's sleep, the erythromycin helps a lot (after a couple of days).