Can't face work tomorrow

[lemonrefresher]

I’ve always had acne but recently I’ve had probably the biggest breakout iv ever had. My skin is so dry and sore to touch. I’ve got massive lumpy spots all around my mouth and even on my head. Make up makes it even worse. My whole face and head area is so sore to touch and looks hideous. I’ve just sat looking at my face in the mirror and I want to scratch my face off. The thought of work (or anything for that matter )tomorrow is making me feel sick. I just want to stay in the house so I don’t have to see anyone.

I know it sounds dramatic.

Aww

Why don’t you look at it as you go to work in the morning and can then afford to buy some new skincare tomorrow afternoon that might help you out?

You’ll have to go back to work eventually. Acne is really common and there’s loads of products that can eleviate the dryness and soreness now, and ultimately reduce the acne/scarring in the future.

It doesn’t sound dramatic. I used to get a recurring skin infection on my face and I felt like I couldn’t look at anyone, I couldn’t bear to be looked at, I felt like I was almost less than human with my face ‘disfigured’.

I know rationally it was a complete overreaction but I can understand how you feel. I used sick days sometimes, would you feel comfortable to do that?

You poor thing. Have you seen a Dermatologist? Various GPs didn't know what to do with my skin and it was when I saw a Dermatologist that I was diagnosed with Perioral Dermatitis and acne. Everything the GP gave me for acne irritated the Dermatitis, so I went round a vicious circle.

In the meantime, don't pile lots of products on. Just wash your face gently and pat dry.

I really feel for you! I used to get really bad eczema on my face, and had days when I couldn't face leaving the house.

Does a flare up normally calm down after a day or so? If so I would say call in sick and spend the day trying to relax and calm your skin down.

It's really not being dramatic at all. People who have never had something like this don't understand how low it can make you feel.

Oh bless you I’ve been there too, go in keep busy and I bet hardly anyone will notice. Sometimes it’s so much worse when you look at yourself.

Totally agree with the comment above I was in a cycle of trying so many products and going to doctors and nothing worked till I went to the dermatologist and for the first time in about 15 years I’ve actually managed to leave the house without mountains of make up on.

I’ve been to the GP so many times but always seem to get fobbed off.

I’ve been looking at ‘bleach bathing’. I know it would probably be a silly thing to do but I’m seriously considering it. I’m desperate.

I’m going to ask for a referral to a dermatologist.

When you say you've always been fobbed off, what do you mean? Has the GP ever prescribed anything for your skin, referred you to a dermatologist, anything?

I think you should ask.

I've never suffered myself but I'm still quite shocjed at your description of how painful it is.

You really shouldn't have to put up with that.

Yes book a GP appointment tomorrow and try to get a dermatologist referral. They will be much more understanding and hopefully not fob you off.

What have you tried so far that hasn’t helped?

I called in sick when I had impetigo on my face, it was huge and weepy andI couldn’t face people staring at me. If it’s affecting your life to the point you can’t go to work that should be enough for a gp to refer. Try and book a gp appointment instead? It’s s horrid feeling but it’s probably not as obvious to others as it is to you.

Don’t do bleach bathing!!!! Don’t know what it is but sounds hideous...

I feel for you op, being a long time breakout suffere myself.
First thing - stop touching it right now. Do not scratch. I know how tempting it is, believe me Ive wanted to peeps my whole face off before, but you MUST resist.
Secondly what is your current skincare routine?

I don't think you sound dramatic. I think your gp has failed to take you seriously. My old flat mate years ago took roaccutane and it worked.
Have you had roaccutane?

Have you ever looked at Kefir?

A jar of Biona Kefir is £1.99 at independent health food shop. Cheap and so good for skin and many other health complaints.

Do NOT do bleach bathing, your poor skin needs care not bleach.
Take a day off if you need to and go to the doctor.
Ibuleve gel thickly applied will take the swelling and inflammation down.
Cut out sugar, wheat and dairy and take a good probiotic

Can't believe your GP hasn't referred you! He/she hasn't been able to sort it out so maybe tell your boss that you're going to your gp tomorrow morning to assertively request a referral.

I had two colleagues who felt like this - one had cystic(?) acne, the other had eczema on her face. I can tell you, absolutely honestly, that nobody noticed anywhere near as much as they thought. We recognise people by their general look, and the details of their skin and colouring (like a red spot) only registers in passing.

I'm not saying this to make you feel better. I used to tell it to my friend-colleague with acne, and I know she never believed me - but it was absolutely true. I never thought, "Oh, there's Jane, her skin looks worse than usual." It was just, "Oh, there's Jane."

@lemonrefresher if you can get to a pharmacy tomorrow my Dermatologist swears by Dermal 500 Lotion. It is behind the pharmacy counter and costs approx £10 for a good sized pump bottle. You can use it to wash your face and moisturise.

Do you have sore skin behind your ears? That can be a sign of Dermatitis and it can spread onto the face.

I've been through the wringer with my skin, but after a long course of a very low dose of Roaccutane it has improved beyond recognition. Remember it will get better

I've recently bought my beautiful but acne ridden child the Neutrogena light mask - her acne was horrendous and now a week on is 75% improved.

Take the day off and go to the Dr again and ask for your referral.
I suffer with rosacea which flares up every few years, my skin bubbles up with red cysts all over my cheeks and nose and they itch like crazy. It took years to find a Dr who took it seriously and prescribed me some wonder-gel.
I understand how you feel, i know that feeling of wanting to hide away and not let anyone else see your face!

Bleach bathing works great for eczema.

Has your GP prescribed erythromycin - needs to be at least an 8 week course. I have it on repeat so when my skin starts erupting I can start a new course. The best moisturiser I have found is cetraban cream which most chemists sell and is quite cheap

I really feel for you OP. But please, don't do the 'bleach bathing' thing. Ring your GP surgery first thing tomorrow and make an appointment. NOT with the doctor who fobbed you off, but another one. Very often GP's in surgeries specialise in different areas so ask the receptionist. Sounds like you need to be referred to a dermatologist asap. And be on medication for this. Don't go crazy with the skin care either. See a specialist first. Finally, please look at YouTube. Caroline Barnes had a recent upload with a Harley Street Dermatologist (can't remember the name) about acne. Also, look up Caroline Hirons. She is a great no nonsense full of knowledge skin care expert. You will sort this OP. xx

Oh and epiduo gel on prescription too.
If none of that works then ask to be referred.