Hi hi.
here's a quick history:
-had acne for about 5 years
-tried everything from anitbiotics (all types) to prescription topical things (all kinds) to birth control (tri-cyclen and diane 35) to accutane (for 6 months)

nothing ever works. accutane gave me clear skin for about a month and eliminated acne on my back but was not really worth it (ridiculous joint pain, mood swings, unbearable dry skin/lips)

now my derm has resorted to different combinations of things i've already tried. currently i'm on stievamycin and diane-35.

she just added Minocycline to the mix...so, i'll try and see if this works.

so... has anyone else used combinations of things that worked really well? as you can probably tell i'm at wits end here. when your dermatologist feels sorry for you...its sort of depressing.

and stevamycin? any good? i tried it for a bit and it didn't burn my face but long-term wise i'm not sure it will work.

my magic combo:

-diane 35
-minocycline 2 x daily at 100mg
-benadryl

-benzamycin gel when needed at night. (i'm going off this but its always worked to take care of breakouts)
-asprin when needed to take down inflammation.

face wash: spectro gel for sensitive skin.

p.s. i am clear so this DID work for me. *knock on wood*

Why benadryl?

i personally beleive in my case there to be an histamine connection. so i've been taking antihistamines daily. its been helping from what i can tell and at the very least acts as an anti-inflamatory. i don't want to flood the post here with my regimen but kellywells and I and a few others are participating in our own trials. see the over the counter meds forum