Spots

[DrHolmes]

When will they go? Will I always have spots?

I look at other women and girls and everyone seems to have perfect skin except me.

I always have small pussy spots on my chin, a lot of redness, blackheads. Oily skin but also weirdly it's dry on my nose even if it is oily! (how?!)

Also, don't realyl have anything on cheeks or forehead just really mouth/chin area. Another thing which has been happening recently is getting boils and i just don't think i have the will to try, try, try to pop another one. It hurst like hell and always ends in bruising.

I am on lymocycline which I thought was helping but seems not to be anymore.

Any tips?

I use clinique make up remover, toner, moisturiser and wash my face with garnier mild scrub which is meant to help reduce redness of skin and clear pores out.

I am 26 and just wish this would end! Is there a point in life where you don't get spots anymore? I mean you don't see granyy's going about with pussy spots do you but how long willi have to wait?

I eat well, drink water all through the day, only drink some at weekend.
It is definitely a lot worse when i have my period which has just been so maybe that's why I am fretting over it right now as it seems to be very bad.
I am on the implant btw if that's useful to know for anyway who might be able to help?

Thanks in advance.

[shrimponastick]

The implant is progestogen- which has a side effect of causing/worsening acne.

Have you been prescriibed the lymocycline by your GP? It is worth gooing back and explaining that the antibiotics aren't working sufficiently.

you may need to reconsider your contraception. I found that Dianette -combined pill - worked wonders for my skin. Not all GPs will prescribe it though.

If you aren't happy with the GP advice, then ask for a referral to the Dermatology dept - they have much more up to date knowledge than GPs.

[DrHolmes]

Well, I used to be on microgynin (sp?) pill and had bad skin then too. I have just always had bad skin from age 10/11 :(
Yes, my Dr supplied the antibiotics and last time he said sometimes it's good to have a break but re-prescribed me anyway.
I don't want to stop taking them incase it gets worse!
The boils are def a new thing and I would put that down to implant so I will see about getting it out but I have only had it for a year when it's supposed to be 3 years. Will they be ok taking it out so soon?

Would I have a battle with the Dr to refer me to dermatology dept? That is what I want but surely they would have done it off their own back if they looked at my records?

[shrimponastick]

Not all contraceptive pills have the same properties. The Dianette in particular contains an anti-androgen. It isn't as commonly prescribed now as it has a higher level of oestrogen (I think) which has a higher risk of thrombosis.

Your GP isn't bound to refer you to derm unless you specifically ask. He/she may just think you are happy with the situation unless you push it.

Sounds like with the boils being new, it does tie in with the implant. I am sure you can have it taken out when you like. It's your body.


I suggest doing your research and then making an appt with a sympathetic gp and you say what you want to happen.

good luck

[Dirtymistress]

Yasmin is a contraceptive pill that vastly improved my skin. Expensive so they don't like to prescribe but worth pushing for. Having babies sorted mine!

[DrHolmes]

Ok, thanks for advice.

I am going to make an appointment right now!

[shrimponastick]

Good stuff

Just remember to read up a bit first. GPs don't know everything. :)

Progesterone only devices are likely to worsen or cause acne. So implant, mirena (?), mini pill. Other types of pill may or may not - but as posted above there are two types marketed as being anti acne - the Yasmin and Dianette.

Changing to one of htose pills may be enough to sort out your skin. But if GP is hesitant then you are perfectly within your rights to ask for a referral to Dermatology.

I have had bad skin since I was 13. Unfortunately at 45 I still do. Not really, really bad but enough for me to press for treatment. After seeing derm last year I am on long term anti biotics (trimethoprim) and differin gel (has a drying/exfoliating effect on skin, keeping the pores unblocked).

[BlueChampagne]

DrHolmes I suffered during my school years but moved during my year off and got my new GP to refer me to a dermatology specialist. Combined pill did a lot to sort my spots out, and they didn't come back when I came off to ttc. Two sprogs later and I've not had to go back on pill.

Good luck!

[Attackofthefiftyfootwoman]

your ksin sounds like mine used to be. I suffered from the age of 10 too. But only really along the chin area - the rest of my face was always more or less clear. I tried so much stuff until one day I stumbled across a link with dairy and acne - so I tried cutting out dairy from my diet and there was a MASSIVE improvement with just cutting out milk, cheese, butter etc. Then I took it further and cut out all milk products so if anything has milk powder etc in I own't have it - skin is almost 100% clear. I still get the odd spot but that's if I have eaten too much rubbishy food. For me cutting out the dairy helped with the sore under the skin spots and when I cut down on my refined sugar intake the whiteheads/blackheads clear up too. I now follow a fairly strict diet (for me its worth it to have clear skin after all teh years of battling and low self esteem).

Give it a try if it is liked to dairy it should show up within a week of cutting it out of your diet. I am 32 now and wish I had known this sooner.

Good luck x

[DrHolmes]

Thank you for all replies.

Dr appointment is made so I am going to ask about the pills and push for referal to dermatologist.

Attack - There may be something in what you say...I have eaten a lot more dairy in the last few weeks and maybe that's why it is SO bad right now. I am going to cut it out too and see if that makes a difference. Thanks for the advice.

Blooming spots.

[UdderlyBanal]

Hi
I am post menopausal, at 47, and I still get spots. Not all over acne but plenty of spots. The upside is that I look very young :). I don't eat any dairy either, sob.
I hope yours don's last as long as mine!

[PhyllisDoris]

My DD has just started using Freederm products, with excellent results. Her skin has really cleared up.

[DrHolmes]

udder When i went to the clinique counter at christmas the lady told me I will at least look younger than my friends when i'm older as my skin is oily and won't be as wrinkly as theirs.
I just don't want to have to put up years of more spots.

Do you wear make up?

[BlueChampagne]

Wouldn't be seen out of the house without make-up as a teenager and at Uni. Now rarely bother! Am hoping also to reap the benefits now in terms of younger-looking skin as I'm 43!

[DrHolmes]

I alwaysput make up on. Even just around the house I just cannot not put make-up on.
I was just asking about make-up as I was wondering what make people with spots wear. I find I put it on in the morning and when i leave work and look at the mirror in my car I am so embarrassed as you can then see all my spots.

Feel shit :(

[shrimponastick]

I don't like to wear make up but for door cover I swear by a concealer from Clinique. I can't remember the name, and I have had it a while, so the writing has rubbed away on the tube. But its on a pale blue tube . It is really thick, substantial stuff. I use a teeny bit on each spot and it really does cover up. Will have a look for a link.

[shrimponastick]

www.clinique.co.uk/product/1672/6045/Skin-Care/Acne/Treatment-Specialists/Anti-Blemish-Solutions-Clearing-Concealer/All-Skin-Types-with-Blemishes/index.tmpl

It's this one.

[shrimponastick]

concealer

[FamiliesShareGerms]

Dinette worked well for me, Yasmin is OK but not as effective

35 now, have spots and wrinkles

I don't eat much dairy, but might try reducing to see if there is a link for me. Period cycle seems to be the main factor - having a baby helped but didn't cure.

Clinique blemish foundation is brilliant in both coverage and helping to improve my skin. Just got to work out how best to cover the shiner on my chin this morning...

[shrimponastick]

Dianette does seen to work miracles for many women. Its a shame that it isn't onsdidered safe for long term use.

Come on medical boffins, sort out the cure for acne .

[Dirtymistress]

OP I know it is really really hard to feel that way when your skin flares up, but I am quite sure you are absolutely gorgeous. Being miserable about it will, annoyingly, only make the matter worse. Have a little faith and hold your head up high. X

[shrimponastick]

Agree with dirtymistress

Often the blemishes are much more noticeable to yourself, no one else really cares.

Who the heck is perfect anyway?
The celebs have their zits and wrinkles airbrushed out.

[shrimponastick]

Agree with dirtymistress

Often the blemishes are much more noticeable to yourself, no one else really cares.

Who the heck is perfect anyway?
The celebs have their zits and wrinkles airbrushed out.

[DrHolmes]

Thank you everyone. Some weeks can be ok and I feel not too bad but ugh some can be terrible and I don't even want to go to work.
I do put on a confident front but when I get home I crumble and can just look at them and just depress myself about them.
It's annoying when i forget about them and think i'm looking ok then i get into the car after work and see all my spots and feel embarrassed.

I was even thinking about an acid peel - would that sort it out?

Thanks for the concealer link shrimp. I do like the clinique products i bought at christmas - so expensive though but I don't worry about cost when it comes to trying to help my skin.

Can't wait for my dr app! I def feel the implant has worsened them, but also my pepriod is very irregular and drags on for two weeks when i do get it.

[lljkk]

I am 45 & a stonking great zit has come up in the middle of my forehead this week (sigh). No makeup, but Luckily can pull a fringe forward to disguise.

My cousin was your age when she went on Retine. Worked well for her.

[DrHolmes]

I'll ask the dr about that too, thanks.