2 replies to this topic

[golfer1982]

Hi there,

I've always had mild acne but I've usually been able to keep it minimal with Neutrogina Deep Clean, Biore Blemish Fighting cleanser etc. Lately my acne has gotten worse and I am not sure why (I've attached pics). I've been reading posts on here about what to try and I'm just curious to see what other people have tried to get rid of acne like this. I have read Lions Queen's post on Paula's Choice BHA and she seems to really like that but I am not sure if that would be appropriate for this. Any help you can give will be very much appreciated.

Thank you.

[skye_p]

for starters: how old are you? male? female? The reason i ask is because that might factor is a well. i am 25 and have always had decent skin until the last three years where an occassional break out turned in to many breakouts, some cystic acne occassionally, being misdiagnosed with Staph, dermatitis, rosatia etc. Yea it was a nightmare. Since seeing the dermatoligist three years ago i have faithfully used cetaphil and/or purpose face wash. Both sold over the counter. I rotate out between the two if i feel my face is 'getting used to' one or the other but they are both extra mild and even have the sensitive skin formula if needed which is what i use. I have also tried MD Forte a face wash i got FROM my dermatoligist that i also like but found it to be too harsh for me to use daily. Once or twice a week i use it and avoid around my mouth where i am prone to redness and dryness.

For the cystic acne they told me i had, i took literally EVERY antibiotic under the sun and nothing. Some made me really sick even. I wen to a different dermatoligist a month and a half ago and was prescribed something called Spironolactone (I see people referring to this as Spiro on here) beacuse the dr. diagnosed me w/ 'hormonal acne' this med i think was originally intended for congestive heart failuere but has really made a difference. Since getting on this once a day pill regimin, 100mg tablet, i have NO problems. I am also using the new Ziana gel that IS expensive (I paid $230 for one tube and that's WITH my insurance) but it's worked wonders as well and has helped rid the dark spots i had as a result of the acne. My skin has never looked better.

Hope some of this helps for you.

[Wynne]

It looks as though most of your breakouts are clustered where you shave. Folliculitis can mimic acne. You could ask your doc to swab the infected areas and determine which bacteria has caused you to break out. You'd then use a topical antibiotic like bactroban or an internal one like the one that DckSteel raves about.

Careful cleaning of the skin after shaving could help reduce the infection and irritation.

If it is not folliculitis, BP will help the inflammation. BHAs will help with exfoliation.

I find that I have less shaving irritation if I use a baby's hair brush on my legs with my regular body cleanser in the shower after and before I shave. NO shaving bumps. I tried it on the bikini line prior to shaving and what do you know, it works there, too.