Cystic acne

[alloutofcareunits]

My 23 year old daughter has cystic acne on her chin area. She's tried anti biotics, many different washes, creams etc (well researched on line) but nothing seems to be working. She thinks it's hormonal and is on the combined contraceptive pill, has anyone experienced improvement from coming off the pill? It's the only thing left she hasn't tried though she has tried changing pills several times with no improvement. Thanks

I'm guessing if she has tried antibiotics she has seen a GP, but has she been offered creams containing either benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or a retinoid? She may need to be referred to a dermatologist to be put onto roaccutane.

I was put on a pill for cystic chin acne (Dianette) twice - once at 19 and once at 28. Not sure coming off a pill would help, unless it was a pill that made acne worse, but as you said she's tried various ones.

FWIW, the only way I've been able to keep my acne at bay is to see a private dermatologist for the past 6 years. It's rubbish and I feel for your DD.

@BlairWaldorfLovesShopping thanks for the quick response, she has a telephone appointment with the GP next week and is going to ask for a referral to a dermatologist. Thanks

I have cystic acne, it's currently not active at the moment.

For me no antibiotics worked but a combination of duac (strongest strength) and using caudalie vinopure gel cleanser keeps it to a minimum and flare ups are much milder now. I exfoliate with a gentle exfoliate 4 times a week to keep on top of build up in my pores.

I hadn't changed my contraception when I developed it 2 years after I had my son. It settled down again when I was pregnant with my daughter and had a bad flare up after the birth but it calmed down a bit.

I had cystic acne for yeaaaars. I gave up dairy and it really made it less aggravated. The pill made it infinitely worse for me. I used a product called Mario badescu drying lotion (I've no idea if you are supposed to, but just honestly it worked for me) believe me I tried everything under the sun, except antibiotics were not possible for me as I have a severe allergy to all penecillin based ones.

Also I used blitz kitchen paper to pat my face after washing, rather than a flannel or towel, just to reduce the bacteria.

Also I'm guessing face masks (the covid kind) aren't gonna be helpful, but maybe use disposable ones?

Salicylic acid ointment is often use successfully for cystic acne. Use nightly, start at 5% to check skin reaction, but up to 12% can be tolerated by most people. This is usually more effective than the washes etc that contain salicylic acid.

[quote alloutofcareunits]@BlairWaldorfLovesShopping thanks for the quick response, she has a telephone appointment with the GP next week and is going to ask for a referral to a dermatologist. Thanks[/quote]
Ah this is good, good luck to her :)

@Laundrydragon

I had cystic acne for yeaaaars. I gave up dairy and it really made it less aggravated. The pill made it infinitely worse for me. I used a product called Mario badescu drying lotion (I've no idea if you are supposed to, but just honestly it worked for me) believe me I tried everything under the sun, except antibiotics were not possible for me as I have a severe allergy to all penecillin based ones.

Also I used blitz kitchen paper to pat my face after washing, rather than a flannel or towel, just to reduce the bacteria.

Also I'm guessing face masks (the covid kind) aren't gonna be helpful, but maybe use disposable ones?

I second Mario Badescu but I use the buffering lotion which is more targeted to to the cystic spots. Usually calms them down in a day or two.

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Sorry didn't know that happened to that link! Try again!

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Depends on what pill she is on. Yasmin and Dianette are both good for treating acne (I use Dianette). I was put on other pills twice and broke out within days.

An online prescription service is a good option. Skin&Me or Dermatica do formulas with a mix of ingredients to treat acne abs they adjust prescriptions if needed after regular reviews.