Sudden acne outbreak please help!

[MarianneEnjolras]

Well I say sudden but it came out of nowhere a few months ago and won't go away. I am 24 and the spots are all over my back, chest and face (mainly forehead).

I never had acne anything like this as a teenager so I'm flummoxed.

Please tell me how do I get rid of them?

The million pound question

There are many paths you could take if you want to try and find a solution, maybe start with your GP? They'll probably put you on antibiotics and give you some sort of topical cream.

Have you had any food allergy tests done? Some acne sufferers are sensitive to things like yeast, dairy etc.

Other than that I'm not sure, maybe someone else on here will have some valuable advice . Definitely feel your pain though!

Are you sure it's not your hair conditioner - have you switched products recently?

Definitely go to the GP!

As Frugal suggested, have you changed shampoo or conditioner? What about washing powder, or hair spray/mousse?

Are you changing your bedding at least once per week, and PJs every night? (If not, it's probably a good idea to do so until this is sorted, at least. I'd also change your pillowcase every night if your skin is now acne-prone as it makes a big difference.)

How about diet - do you eat too much dairy, refined sugar, grain-based food, fruit, etc? Do you eat enough vegetables and "good" fatty foods like salmon and nuts?

Thanks for the replies.

Hair conditioner? I switch products regularly actually as I just use whatever is on offer. Hmm will have to look into that thanks.

Also interesting response regarding allergies/intolerances. I don't have any allergies and I didn't know you could develop then after years but I'll look into that too.

Trying to avoid seeing the doctor if possible due to time constraints but it's helpful to know it's an option, didn't think they'd be interested in spotty adults tbh!

My diet is on the agenda for improvements. Sugar being my biggest vice (but only at work as I'm not allowed it at home because ds isn't allowed it except as a treat).

I'm trying to drink more water, hard at the weekends but usually manage at least 1.5 litres a day in work.

Thanks for the tips about changing pillowcases, bedding gets changed weekly and new pjs on (almost) every night but I'll sort that out from now on.

My diet is on the agenda for improvements. Sugar being my biggest vice (but only at work as I'm not allowed it at home because ds isn't allowed it except as a treat).

I'm trying to drink more water, hard at the weekends but usually manage at least 1.5 litres a day in work.

Thanks for the tips about changing pillowcases, bedding gets changed weekly and new pjs on (almost) every night but I'll sort that out from now on.

It doesn't sound like it's hormonal necessarily, as that would usually be around the cheek/neck area. I agree with maybe going to the Dr, but also La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo cream is amazing at clearing up spotty and blemished skin. They also do a good face wash too. Maybe try both of those products - however, it may take 6 weeks or so before you see any significant improve not, so you will need to stick with it for a while. Good luck, it is a horrible thing to happen.

Sugars, including fruit sugars, are pro inflammatory, i.e. encourage inflammation, def best avoided. A low GI diet including plenty omega 3 fish oils will help.
Milk and dairy products are well accepted as causing/promoting acne. Milk (organic included) and milk products contain hormones. If you take milk, take full fat, and v little cheese, more explained here, and on this page in particular.
Nuts, in susceptible people causes spots. Sterols in nuts can be converted to androgenic hormones and cause spots in genetically predisposed folk.

Progesterone only contraception, e.g. Implanon or Mirena, can cause acne, so if you have one of those, that may be the reason for your spots.

I would second a trip to your GP as a start point. Also second the la Roche Posay Effaclar range.

Thanks for recommending the la Roche Posay Effaclar range, I'll check that out.

I only drink mil (full fat) in tea or on weetabix/porridge and I don't like cheese so never eat that. Gutted about the sugar as I've been avoiding chocolate/biscuits etc by eating more fruit at work!

Not on any hormonal contraception at the moment so I can rule that out, haven't been on the pill for about a year now.

I'm going to look into the low GI diet and the la Roche stuff, and bear in mind that a trip to the gp may be necessary. Thank you so much for all your suggestions.

I put up with horrible skin for a couple of years, then after mentioning it to my GP she put me on Epiduo (a topical cream) with amazing results. I just wish I'd gone to her sooner.

Go to your GP. I have suffered since my teens with v bad acne flare ups. At 37 I went to GP and was referred to dermatologist. Now 38 and have great skin. Wish I'd gone 20 years ago!