3 replies to this topic

[ASNY]

Greetings and I am new to the site. I would like to introduce myself

I'm 37 asian male who always have problems with acne. Started 2nd year of college and with some life-changing stressors broke out suddenly from almost perfect skin to severe inflammatory type within months. I tried everything OTC first (BP worked the best) and but had very little success. I carried superficial scars and red marks to through four years of college and not the best thing for my self esteem.

Perhaps the saving grace was I buckled down in college and studied hard, got into medical school. First year (that was 14 years ago!) I decided to try accutane. Took for 6 months and with one summer i cleared up completely! Since then life was good through residency and fellowship (I'm now a successful pulmonologist) as my profession had to face people from all walks of life each day.

Through these years, I have maintained a fairly good complexion with occasional breakouts with BP twice a day, but nothing to stress about.

However, 2 months ago, I decided to stop using the BP as it bleached a lot of my clothings, also with new career stress and life-altering events, I broke out tremendously on my forehead ( I would say at least 30-40 inflammatory nodules and some to my face and jaw line).

Well now I have full access to medical community (I'm also internal medicine boarded). I started with giving myself tetracycline 500mg twice a day first ( 3 weeks now), I wash with Kiehl acne wash (salicylic acid). No improvement (and admittedly I should be more patient), so one week ago I went to one of the best laser dermatologist in the area and underwent KTP and Pulse dye laser. We decided to give it 2 sessions, if there is continual improvement then to undergo a total of 6.

One week ago, I also self prescribed aczone. Did a lot of research and feel that this is a novel approach. I am now taking tetra orally, underwent laser x 1 two weeks ago, and on aczone for one week.

So far, I do not have any more breakouts (perhaps 1-2 every few days). I would say my skin is about 20% better. Lots of redmarks on the forehead but at least none coming out as new nodules.

I'm going to keep this regimen for a total of one month, or with one more laser treatment, and reevaluate. If things go downhill, I will consider accutane, but I'm watchful side effects with cholesterol and liver now since I am much older.

I'm getting a general dermatologist appt next week to put this all together. Just because I'm a physician I realize I should not venture into areas Im not an expert in. So my advice is, find a derm you know and trust, and be patient! Don't pick (I did and regretting it).

If anyone is interested of my progress (an old guy in the medical field with frustration like everyone else), I will keep posting

[Kenan.]

Welcome to Acne.org!

I understand how horrible it would be to keep getting acne, keep us updated and let keep posting.

Hope you enjoy the forums!

[BMA]

Greetings and I am new to the site. I would like to introduce myself

I'm 37 asian male who always have problems with acne. Started 2nd year of college and with some life-changing stressors broke out suddenly from almost perfect skin to severe inflammatory type within months. I tried everything OTC first (BP worked the best) and but had very little success. I carried superficial scars and red marks to through four years of college and not the best thing for my self esteem.

Perhaps the saving grace was I buckled down in college and studied hard, got into medical school. First year (that was 14 years ago!) I decided to try accutane. Took for 6 months and with one summer i cleared up completely! Since then life was good through residency and fellowship (I'm now a successful pulmonologist) as my profession had to face people from all walks of life each day.

Through these years, I have maintained a fairly good complexion with occasional breakouts with BP twice a day, but nothing to stress about.

However, 2 months ago, I decided to stop using the BP as it bleached a lot of my clothings, also with new career stress and life-altering events, I broke out tremendously on my forehead ( I would say at least 30-40 inflammatory nodules and some to my face and jaw line).

Well now I have full access to medical community (I'm also internal medicine boarded). I started with giving myself tetracycline 500mg twice a day first ( 3 weeks now), I wash with Kiehl acne wash (salicylic acid). No improvement (and admittedly I should be more patient), so one week ago I went to one of the best laser dermatologist in the area and underwent KTP and Pulse dye laser. We decided to give it 2 sessions, if there is continual improvement then to undergo a total of 6.

One week ago, I also self prescribed aczone. Did a lot of research and feel that this is a novel approach. I am now taking tetra orally, underwent laser x 1 two weeks ago, and on aczone for one week.

So far, I do not have any more breakouts (perhaps 1-2 every few days). I would say my skin is about 20% better. Lots of redmarks on the forehead but at least none coming out as new nodules.

I'm going to keep this regimen for a total of one month, or with one more laser treatment, and reevaluate. If things go downhill, I will consider accutane, but I'm watchful side effects with cholesterol and liver now since I am much older.

I'm getting a general dermatologist appt next week to put this all together. Just because I'm a physician I realize I should not venture into areas Im not an expert in. So my advice is, find a derm you know and trust, and be patient! Don't pick (I did and regretting it).

If anyone is interested of my progress (an old guy in the medical field with frustration like everyone else), I will keep posting

[BMA]

Hey Doc, I was an RT for years and went into Med sales so I can appreciate your hard work to become a Pulmonologist. I have mild to mod acne since my twenties with occasional sebeatious cyst lancings on my face. I found a great soap that helped me and I'm pasing it forward.

Now in response to your comments I want to send you to a all natural site *Moderator edit, URL removed - read the board rules. *] that will help in two areas of your life, first your acne situation and then your bombardment from contamination from the sick people you confront daily. I use a product called *Moderator edit, URL removed - read the board rules. * made with olive oil shea butter, tea tree, lavender and peppermint oils This stuff works and I had it given to me as a gift and have recommended it to several people with an excellent response after use.

We all know there's no magic bullet for acne but you have to clean yourself often daily with a soap product, why not use something natural, (unlike SLS, Propolyne Glycol, TRICLOSAN which is in almost every store bought soap and medical offices and hospitals). As you know these synthetic drugs along with over writing antibiotic scripts is why MRSA is marching on so strongly today.

Check out this soap for your acne and stay healthy Doc. I have found that Tea tree oil is a natural immune booster that helps your own body protect itself and it is also a great bactericide and antifungal something you can use alot of protection from in your business. Lots of luck and breathe deep.