How to deal with a whitehead without it exploding into a papule or pustule?

Every time I get a whitehead (see Types of Acne) it NEVER responds to anything, and slowly develops into a a papule or pustule.

I've tried AHA, BHA, BP, sulfur-containing topicals, ice, Mint Julep; pretty much anything and everything, yet they ALWAYS get worse.

Is there anything I can do to stop whiteheads in their tracks?

After two years with limited nutrition/holistic success, do I need Accutane?

Hi,

I've been on the boards a while and I've had acne since I was 11 (I'm a 22yo male).

I had my last soda, glass of milk, and anything with sugar in it over two years ago.

Last September, I completely eliminated most carbs from my diet: no bread, rice, potatoes (except sweet), and limited my intake of fruits.

So for nearly a year now I have made use of the following regimen:

Diet
Most meals consist of a meat (chicken and fish mostly) along with veggies (broccoli, asparagus, spinach, salad)
Snacks are eggs, cucumbers and organic salsa, and raw cashews (don't break me out, I tested this in detail)
Only drink water

I can't think of anything I consume that would lead me to break out

Supplements (all daily)
4 tablespoons of Carlson's liquid fish oil
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
optizinc
vitamin c
Carlson's vitamin E
Taurine
Alpha Lipoic Acid
B 100 complex
Selenium
Chromium

Topicals
Wash face with Dan's cleanser 2x/day
Finacea in the mornings
Dan's ALA, wait 30 mins, then Differin in the evenings


I feel like I do all the "right" stuff. Acne completely consumes my life. EVERYTHING revolves around what I can/can't eat, creates awkward social situations, and I easily spend 3 hours a day on my face.

Yet everything I've done only makes me roughly 85%-90% clear. I know many people on this board would love for that kind of success, but I'm getting to the point where every single pimple I get scars my face (not hyperpigmentation, actual indents on my face). Also, my job requires me to be social and active. Try speaking in front of 250 people with a huge cyst on your cheek...NOT FUN.

I'm getting frustrated and desperate, and I'm seriously considering taking the plunge into low-dose accutane (maybe 10mg/day). Can anyone see anything I'm currently doing wrong or talk me out of it?

Thanks for your help.

Drainer's Red Mark Fading Regimen

This is the regimen I've found to be most effective at (relatively) quickly reducing red marks left after an active pimple. I'm at the point now where most red marks disappear in about a week, depending on their severity.

It's quite multi-faceted; if you can't obtain all the materials I would advise you to just make use of what you can. It won't be as effective, but it will still help.

What you'll need:

Topicals:
Neosporin cream (NOT gel, it will clog your pores)
Pure vitamin E capsules (I use Carlson's E Gems Elite)
Whole Aloe Vera Leaves (Not aloe vera gel in a bottle. The actual leaves. Available at your local super market or farmers market. Call around to see who has them.)
Finacea (available by prescription, if you can't get it, just use the other materials)

Supplements:
Vitamin C
Vitamin E (again Carlson's is the best because it doesn't contain soy)



Steps
At night:

1.) Slice off a piece of the aloe vera leaf (I usually make a cut about an inch across or so). Cut the inside of the leaf (the clear part) into very thin strips and place them onto a paper towel to dry them (they will be VERY slimy).

Let them sit for maybe 20 mins or so, or just keep dabbing them on the paper towel if you're in a hurry. Set them aside.

While your leaves are drying
2.) Wash your face
3.) Apply Neosporin to your red spots
4.) Poke open one of the Vitamin E capsules and cover your red spots with the liquid. Don't rub it in, you can just leave it to sit there overnight.
5.) take your fresh aloe vera leaf pieces and place them right on top of your face. Again, if they're still too slippery they'll slide right off.

Hit the hay and get a good nights sleep.

If you have the finacea, use this in the morning.

Repeat each night until you're clear.

It sounds like a lot, but trust me this is absolutely the most effective way to combat red marks. All the elements are designed to promote healing.

Ways to decrease insulin resistance?

Hi,

I know on these boards we've discussed ways to reduce the impact that sugar and carbs have on our acne.

This is a list of things I've tried:

Glucomanan (taken with meals)
Cinnamon
Chromium
Vitamin D
Sea Salt
Taurine

What am I missing? Is there anything that has proven to be really effective for anyone?

If you're sure your acne is caused by diet and insulin sensitivity, will Accutane work?

I'm experiencing a little bit of distress because I just started a new job.

Up to this point I have been reasonably clear because I ate a very strict low carb diet high in meats and vegetables to address my insulin sensitivity.

At my new job, however, there are times when we must be in the office literally all day, and they order us food. Since I just started, I am focused on making a good impression, and I don't want to stand out because of my eating habits by not eating what is provided. The company is extremely generous and it's very good food, so to bring my own food or explain my diet would be terribly embarrassing.

Also, I will spend a great deal of time on the road, where it is nearly impossible to find anything but unprocessed crap to eat.

Diet has been the ONLY thing to get me mostly clear in over 11+ years with acne. I'm getting desperate, however, and considering trying Accutane to get rid of my acne forever.

That leads me to my original question: if your acne is related to insulin sensitivity, will Accutane even work?