What kind of acne is this

[whatkind]

So I think it's cystic but also could be nodular. I say this because I get huge under the skin spots with no head, they don't go for months and months and eventually turn into these hard lumps under my skin that scar me. I'm so down about it. Sometimes one of them will come to a head but it's mainly bloody that comes out and then a lump is left, it never fully goes.
I'm getting married this year and dreading having a breakout before the day, and also covering up the lumps I'm left with.
I'm 32, diagnosed pcos a few years ago. Can't have the pill or anything due to ongoing ivf. I will try and find some pics.

Any help?

As someone who has been prescribed and taken both Roaccutane and Dianette for severe acne in the past , I wish I had fully investigated dietary measures prior to accessing these medications.

Please ensure that you have consulted a nutritionist/dietitian first as you are trying to conceive and these medications would not be suitable anyway. Additionally, dietary revision for PCOS is very beneficial for symptoms.

While anti-inflammatory diets under a nutritionist’s supervision may not totally alleviate all acne, it will go a long way towards helping your skin and as a first-line defence should not be underestimated nor dismissed.

Since you're looking to get pregnant: hard no to Roaccutane! Not only are you not meant to get pregnant on it, IIRC you're also meant to not get pregnant for around 18 months to two years once you're off it.

I've had Roaccutane in my teens and although I was devastated about my skin I wouldn't ever take it again - with or without pregnancy considerations. It was hell in pill form.

Depression and suicidal thoughts are an established side effect. It took me from a grumpy, unhappy teen to a sobbing mess with an eating disorder. And, yes, my skin did clear up somewhat (though never perfectly) - it's just that it was now a dry, scaly, itchy mess instead of a pimple one. No moisturiser was enough - and since I was constantly re-applying it to stop my skin cracking, I couldn't even wear makeup to cover the worst of it all.

I recommend seeing a dermatologist, though. The one I finally found did wonders for my acne without making me want to jump off the nearest bridge.

OP congratulation on your engagement and good luck with IVF! I've dealt with adult acne too, because of pcos, I remember mine started acting up when I was around 28 and was bothering me for a few years.

@BakeOffRewatch amazing suggestions, I am definitely going to try them too.

Yes mine started getting bad a couple of years ago when I'd just turned 30, is always had the odd big spot but this was just next level, as you can see from the pictures.

Update on the azelaic acid - it is so so drying but I'm hoping that means it's drying all the oil out of my face 😆 I think I can already notice a difference, I had a big one on my cheek that has now dried up completely since using it for a few days. There is still a lump there though.
I know it's always Gona be bad until I get some proper stuff from a derm but if this helps up until the wedding I'll be happy with that. I am due on soon though so I'm sure some bigguns will come to say hello soon enough !!

I hope the topical treatment you are putting on is still working OP.

Lymecycline helped me immensely however I think you’ve said you’ve already tried it.

Spironolactone can be given orally in the time you are not trying IVF. You are not meant to become pregnant on it but it's not anywhere near as brutal as Roaccutane & there isn't the gap at the end where you're meant to abstain from pregnancy. Dd1 has been on it a month & her acne is slowly improving ( past Roaccutane user & then the hormonal acne returned).

Haven't read all the replies but I had similar to you ( admittedly not as severe but had the lumps under the skin that stayed for months and were really painful)

I signed up with Dermatica ( recommended on here actually!) and I barely have a spot on my face now. There are a few red marks from old scarring but I will still continue to use the formula every month.

It did take 4-5 months to notice a difference so stick with it. Honestly, I had tried so many things including diet changes and nothing has worked like this. Wish I knew about it in my 20's!

I've copied a screenshot of my formula but it's individual for you. They assess your skin and you answer a few questions etc. they start off with a low dose to get your skin used to it and increase gradually.

Points to note, at first my face did peel a lot and felt a bit like mild sunburn but it's been completely worth it.

I'm a year in and I use every couple of days now to keep it at bay.

One of those ingredients is a type of antibiotic I believe

Treclin I think its called has been a game changer for me. Its retinol and an antibiotic. I'd tried most things over the years. My skin and scaring is 100% better

I know this thread is a few years old, I was wondering if you managed to find anything to help op? Recently turned 40 and having the worst acne of my life x

It might be worth trying an online pharmacy like boots online doctor. They have doctors and dermatologists who look at the information and photos you submit and make a treatment recommendation. Then you can buy it (or alternatively go to the GP and ask for it to be prescribed which may be cheaper).

You need Roaccutane

You’d be better starting a thread of your own, as this one is so old you probably won’t get a lot of replies 🙂