3 replies to this topic

[Lillian McGee]

Short background: Currently age 23, acne began at age 19/20. Moderate acne, mostly along the jawline, chin, and forehead. Dry skin but for the most part not easily irritated.

Regimen began on 4/8/2010:

150 mg Doryx once a day for two weeks, then 75 mg once a day thereafter.

Epiduo gel applied every other night for one week, then ever night thereafter.

I'm also on Ortho Tri Cyclen-lo as birth control and to regulate my periods, but I'm pretty sure it keeps my acne under control to an extent.

I was also ordered to wash with Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar and to apply Vanicream SPF 60 sunscreen every day.

Because the doc didn't prescribe or recommend a moisturizer, I'm continuing to use my favorite thing ever, Korres yoghurt cream in the morning.

Continuing to use my regular makeup, also. L'oreal True Match liquid foundation and powder.


DAY FOUR

No major difference so far. After the first day I got a couple of cysts under my jawline but they have not gotten any worse and are in fact shrinking. Cyst on my lower lipline (god, don't you hate those??) got bigger and made my lip swell for half a day but that one's shrinking too. Conversely, a pustule on my chin shrank and disappeared dramatically quickly.

Boyfriend took a good look at me and said, "Are you even wearing makeup? It looks like your skin's getting better already." :) He's a keeper all right.

So far no side effects with the Doryx. Still worried about encountering that one thing all women dread... need I mention it? Chatted with a friend who has been on antibiotics for years to treat acne and she seems no worse for the wear.

Going to continue with the calcium supplements even though it supposedly reduces effectiveness of Doryx. These be prime bone building years and I can't skimp! Besides, doc didn't mention it so why worry.

Also no adverse effects from Epiduo yet. First night was a little itchy, but second night was just fine. Didn't dry out my skin as much as expected either! Hurrah. Well, after this week I will be using it every night, so maybe things will happen then. Have to wait and see.

In the interest of anonymity I won't be posting pics. Just have to take my word for it. :)

Edited by Lillian McGee, 29 April 2010 - 06:17 PM.

[Lillian McGee]

DAY SIX

Still going. Not much different than before. PERSISTENT little cyst under my lip!! Grar, I can't use my other products and the doc said Epiduo only every other night so this bugger is not going away. Someone at work thought it was a cold sore... hhhh so, whatever, I guess people think I have mouth herpes, then.

Hopefully things start progressing a little faster once I get to use Epiduo every night. Until then.

[Lillian McGee]

DAY ELEVEN

I think this week will be the real test. I'm starting on Epiduo every night instead of every other night. Some zits are lurking there, waiting to flare up but maybe this time.. they won't! Horrible lip cyst is very nearly gone... hopefully by tomorrow morning.

I've been bad about taking my BC at the right time, and I really think that it has an effect on my skin, so gonna try to be better about that. Weekends screw me up because my routine is moot, so hopefully I'll get back on track this week.

[Lillian McGee]

DAY TWENTY-FOUR

Last week was the start of my cycle, so had a bit of a breakout over the weekend which has cleared up and I'm actually pretty clear right now! My coworkers (whom I've told about my treatment) have said that I really am improving and my skin looks "fabulous." Ha! Never heard that one before.

Today was my second visit with the derm. He was miffed because I still had makeup on (oops.. forgot to wash it off before I left the house...) but observed that I appeared to be improving. He is starting me on Tazorac at 0.25% every third night for two weeks, then every other night for two weeks, then every night. Epiduo is now to be applied in the morning with sunscreen and 75mg of Doryx daily.

I'm actually happy about starting on a retinoid. I think this will be the answer to most of my gripes, namely, the red spots. I'm not all that fearful of the "initial breakouts" because come on.. it's about time for some changes. What's three weeks of discomfort? Plus I just got hired full-time at my job--with benefits! So I'm in a really good state of mind right now.

Haven't been changing my diet too much, but that was never really my goal... I'm pretty good about eating as it is. Been adding a lot more fruit though. Derm never mentioned diet, and I'm trying to follow what he says (even though he looks like a fake baker... should I trust a tan derm? lol).

Also the nurse told me something interesting before I left the office.... she said if I tend to breakout before my cycle to take 150mg of the Doryx seven days before the start of it. Huh. I'll give it a shot and as always, see what happens.

Until next time.