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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I know I'm being unreasonable but I need help please!

172 replies

Snowwhite22 · 28/06/2014 14:15

I am 32 and I've had spots since I was 13. Some times it's better than others but at the moment I'm going through a really bad flare up.

We took the dc to their school fete this morning and we all got soaked. We went into the toilets to sort our selves out and I made the mistake of looking in the mirror. My skin looked awful and so did all the make up I've put on to try to hide the spots. My dh said to go home and get changed and then go back to the fete again(it's only a 10minute walk). Once we got home, I said I didn't want to go back and that anyone could stay with me if they also didn't want to go. Everyone wanted to go so I've just waved them off and quickly gone into the bathroom to wash my face and put my spot cream on.

I really wanted to be with my family but I just can't go back talking to all the other parents when I'm so embarrassed about my skin.
I double cleanse twice a day and put Duac cream on that I get from the doctors. I'm always asking for a referral to see a skin specialist but I'm told the spots are not bad enough.
I only drink water and don't eat chocolate. What else can I do? Can any one give me some ideas? I know it's wrong to hide away so please don't be hard on me, just really need help.

OP posts:
Original poster
Snowwhite22 · 30/06/2014 18:08

I totally understand about the make up, I try my best but it ends up looking ridiculous after a few hours. It's awful we feel the need to hide at home.
Roaccutane is a wonder drug that lots of people have recommended but it has nasty side effects and the doctor really doesn't want to refer me for it. I'm interested about the bio oil, I have got some at home but it just sounds completely wrong putting more oil onto my skin!

OP posts:
Rainbunny · 30/06/2014 18:15

I think you need to either go back to your GP and explain how you are hiding away at home and missing family outings because you are so distressed about your acne and facing other adults OR change GPs. Your mental health is being impacted by this, I can't imagine a reasonable GP refusing a referral under these circumstances.

Fluffycloudland77 · 30/06/2014 18:22

Try the la roche posay physiological gel, the effaclar duo+ but hold off on the bio oil.

It's mineral oil which while you are inflamed might make it worse.

I've had roaccutane cream at the strongest dose & it wasn't as effective as the la roche.

Original poster
Snowwhite22 · 30/06/2014 18:26

I've just bought exactly those products fluffy, had a few recommendations on here. I've just used them for the first time, the gel is very nice.
Should I double cleanse, or is it not needed with this product?

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 30/06/2014 18:29

If you've worn sunscreen then yes, otherwise no. Just a good cleanse & rinse, then apply the cream but don't pick.

The cream will sting but it's ok, don't worry about it.

ShadowsShadowsEverywhere · 30/06/2014 18:32

I has cystic acne. Some of my cystic spots were 5 inches in size. No cream or dietary changes ever made a difference. I recently started taking vitamin supplements and an antihistamine daily - to deal with some other issues. I take vitamin c plus zinc tablets and vitamin B complex. Just that standard cheapy tesco ones. And my skin is clear. The bit b ones are good for stabilising hormones which is obv worth a shot if you think your spots could be hormonal. The vit c and zinc are good for the immune system which is linked to spots - overreaction of immune system to bacteria on and in the skin etc. for the cost of £3 I'd try it. It might not work but it's worth a try?

Original poster
Snowwhite22 · 30/06/2014 18:39

That sounds great shadows, I've just started taking zinc and I will see for a bit if it helps if not I could add the other vitamins. Thanks a lot.
The cream did sting fluffy! I am panicking that I'm making everything worse, thank you for letting me know. So much great advice MN at its best :)

OP posts:
FelixFelix · 30/06/2014 18:40

I've been using the LRP products but no difference Sad

Fluffycloudland77 · 30/06/2014 18:45

Felix post in style and beauty, loads of advice in there.

Irons meant to help too, those of us who have periods are losing iron every month. It didn't help me, I have light periods though

Original poster
Snowwhite22 · 30/06/2014 18:47

Oh no please don't say that Felix! I was just starting to feel hopeful! Maybe if you start taking the zinc tablets it may help? I've got the high strength ones from Holland and Barrat.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 02/07/2014 16:41

How's it going? Any sign of improvement?

Original poster
Snowwhite22 · 02/07/2014 19:55

Ive had to stop using the LRP products, my spots were getting even worse. They looked terrible last night, I really didn't want to go out the house but I forced myself for the sake of the dc. Can't believe it didn't help me, why can't I find anything that works?
I'm going to make a private dermatologist app tomorrow, I can't go on living like this, I feel so down. I'm so scared about going, not sure what they will suggest. Thanks for your concern fluffy :)

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 02/07/2014 20:24

Oh no! I was hoping you'd find lrp as good as me.

Good luck with that derm. I've missed out on loads due to bad skin too.

Take the lrp back, tell them it made you worse not better. If you do it on a busy Saturday afternoon they won't want to hold a queue up arguing with you.

GrinchAnInch · 02/07/2014 20:56

I know this might sound daft but have you tried not putting anything other than water on your face ? then patting dry with a clean towel, I know someone who did this and now is almost acne free.

Original poster
Snowwhite22 · 02/07/2014 21:00

Didn't even think about taking it back! Just another product that won't be used, it's such a waste of money. I've washed with the simple cleanser tonight and now my face is dotted with sudo.
Is your skin clear on LRP fluffy?

OP posts:
Original poster
Snowwhite22 · 02/07/2014 21:02

Can't imagine only washing with water and not putting anything on it! It's so scary trying something new because it's so hard to see the spots get worse. I really don't know what to do for the best.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 02/07/2014 21:15

Yes, I remember it stinging like hell.

I was having a particularly bad attack and big pustules that exploded if you picked them. Nice eh?.

I'm assuming you bought it in boots?

If it didn't live up to the claims on the packaging why not? But choose a busy day. Or go with a tantrumming toddler Wink

Thepursuitofhappiness · 02/07/2014 21:30

I tried so many things for my acne, it affected my confidence so much. The pill, antibiotics, expensive face creams, light box. There are a lot of things recommended on this board which may work, but also might not work...

Roaccutane was the only thing which worked. And completely worked, never had to worry about a spot since.

Side effects were not too bad for me, very dry skin and bleeding nostrils, dry mouth for the first 2 months. A million times worth it. You do have to think very carefully though if you're prone to depression as it can affect mood for some people. Also absolutely no alcohol while you're on it and absolutely can't get pregnant. But no spots!!

roseinwinter · 02/07/2014 21:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

soverylucky · 02/07/2014 21:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

onestepbeyond · 02/07/2014 21:39

It probably sounds ridiculous but I used to hsve terrible skin that nothing worked on. One day staying at pils I forgot my face wash and used some coal tar soap, my skin started to settle and i've used it twice a day ever since and my skin is clear. If i forget to use it for even a day my skin breaks out again. It beat all the creams/washes the doctor gave me!

Slutbucket · 02/07/2014 21:42

Hi not read your whole thread but push for a referral. However in the meantime I did the following: special facials with a probe that gets the crap out. I paid for a course starting with two a week going to once a month. Clinique pure mask and no7 cleanser. Also cutting out wheat helps. I did the atkins diet and it completely cleared up. Not had issues since as long as I cleanse.

ashtrayheart · 02/07/2014 21:48

I eventually was prescribed roaccutane even though my acne was never severe, but it was persistent and affected my life, I never had a day of clear skin since aged 13. It worked brilliantly and totally cleared my back acne up, years later I do get some spots but they don't stop me leaving the house like they used to pre-roaccutane. Only main side effect was sore dry lips, sorted with blistex healing cream.

LiquidCosh · 03/07/2014 00:35

Hi op, it won't help in the long term and sounds bizarre but to get rid of redness and swelling I use haemorrhoid cream. I put it on at night and it really does make them look a lot better by the following morning. Also, its cheap to try it out and see if it works for you too. I'm 32 and can't remember the last time my skin was clear but I'm too embarrassed to see my GP. Its so depressing so I know where you're coming from.
Best of luck

FelixFelix · 03/07/2014 10:02

Just caught up with your thread. Sorry the LRP didn't work for you either Sad I did persevere and use mine for a few months and nothing happened. I bet we have spent a fortune on products over the years!! I dread to think how much.

Anyway, this thread has spurred me on to see my GP next week so hopefully they will have a solution.