24 replies to this topic

[OMalleyJane]

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The pictures I am attaching are dated from June 8, 2012, to today. The reason I am attaching them is because I need help. My condition is getting progressively worse and I am becoming more withdrawn and depressed.

So I have an appointment with a doctor on July 11th and I know I should just wait and see what happens but I am having a really hard time waiting when this is taking place.

In the past five weeks, I have taken 4 antibiotics. I am on birth control pills. I had a brief prednisone experience which improved the appearance for a brief period of time but the honeymoon is over. I have done BP and sulfar wash and also put a topical steroid on my face. I am only putting on make-up when I absolutely have to (once or twice a week) and never on this area.

It is only happening on one cheek.

If you've had anything remotely like this happen to you, please let me know what your experience has been.

Thanks.

Attached Files

•  June 29.jpg   89.93K   335 downloads

[Murph89]

I don't have any suggestions bc I've never experienced that, but I wanted to compliment you on how nice the rest of your skin looks and your really pretty. Best of luck. Might just wait till the derm appt and call and see if they can see you earlier and to put you on a cancelation list in case some one cancels you'll get their appt.

[OMalleyJane]

Thank you, Murph. If you are anything like me, you can use all the props you can get. It's so weird but I am thinking it may be rosacea fulminans or pydoerma faciale. I wish I had a doctor invested in my skin. I hope to find one soon and a large vial of cortisone.

[justsomeguy44]

I personally believe this is the result of some sort of infection, possibly bacterial, maybe even Candida (fungal).
I think this is the case because it is localized to the right side of your face.

Obviously you've talked to a professional, but really try to think hard about what could've happened in the past couple of months that could've irritated your skin to an immense amount. (ANYTHING)

I'm obviously just a dumb 20 year old, and not a doctor. Just my two cents.

I would seriously look up Candida on google though, I believe I saw something similar to this before.

BTW, I do agree with the above poster, you have adorable, big eyes. I'm sure your husband appreciates them dearly.

[Faded12]

Call the derm back today and tell them you need to be seen immediately because you have what you think is an infection that is progressively getting worse everyday. I don't mean to scare you but that does not look like acne, especially because it is so localized to one area of your face. It could be staph infection. If your derm will not see you tomorrow go to urgent care.

Please don't wait untill July 11th. That is way too long to have an infection go untreated.

[Green Gables]

I would say a big fat no to steroids and prednisone. They seem to help temporarily and then make everything worse. Like a big dose of caffeine and withdrawal.

If it were me, I would send a picture to your doctor and show them why you need to go in NOW.

If you think it might be fungal, what you can do by yourself at home is apply Nizoral shampoo on it and leave it on for an hour. Nizoral contains Ketacozanole, which is what they often prescribe to treat fungal infections. http://www.amazon.co...z/dp/B0000Y3CRY

Edited by Green Gables, 30 June 2012 - 02:12 PM.

[OMalleyJane]

I went to the ER today and was empathically told that what was taking place was too big for anyone local to handle and that I required a specialist. A specialist what, however, remains to be determined.

Staph was discussed but dismissed as I have already taken Bactrim which apparently would have cleared it even if it were MRSA. I am not completely sold but whatever.

If it is yeast, it is odd since I've been taking non-stop probiotics since I started all these non-stop antibiotics.

I have an antifungul topical in my medicine cabinet from when my son had ringworm (another lovely dermatological nightmare). I suppose I could try a patch test.

I am going to work on Monday and will just frantically call anyone who will see me for a Monday lunch. I feel like every doctor has essentially blown off my concerns. Even today at the ER, while she was sympathic, she didn't think it was URGENT. I showed them the photos too.

Oy - - I am happy I am here though - - and thank you for all the compliments. I will take anything I can because I am feeling a bit like a hermit. Seriously, I go out and I think people are looking at me like "how dare you leave your house looking like that!"

[OMalleyJane]

BTW, justsomeguy, I want you to know that I think 20-somethings are the rocket scientists of the world. They have the right amount of passion and maturity and free time to be electric, trend-setting and perhaps capable of diagnosing a thirty-something year old beyond what medical professional can do. Just saying...

[LastDitchEffort]

Not to sound foolish or anything, but even if it looks bad now you're lucky in regard of having this only in one localized area.
Once you get this treated, you'll have a perfect complexion
And you have really pretty eyes to draw the attention from the problem area ;p Good luck with whatever treatment you end up with!!

[justsomeguy44]

BTW, justsomeguy, I want you to know that I think 20-somethings are the rocket scientists of the world. They have the right amount of passion and maturity and free time to be electric, trend-setting and perhaps capable of diagnosing a thirty-something year old beyond what medical professional can do. Just saying...

You're too nice Let me know how it works out! Good luck!

I'm sure you'll be okay.

[heather135]

Hi there, I had a breakout exactly like this on my cheek a good few years ago, I know how you feel. I went to the doctor and he told me it was an infection and gave me penicillin. He didn't give me anything to physically put on the area but told me that dabbing the area gentle with a clean wet sponge would help, and it did. Not long after starting to do this it started fading and eventually went away. The infection did leave me with some scarring though but this will be because I was picking it before I went to the doctors. Hope this helps x

[OMalleyJane]

LastDitch, thank you. I attribute my complexion to Philosphy Help Me Heal Retinol Treatment along with Clinque's Even Better Make-up and a bit of expensive scar revision... Still, I truly hope that this episode ends soon so I can focus on just healing.

Heather, I KNEW there had to be someone out there who has had a like-story. Unfortunately, all the antibiotics I have been on don't necessarily seem to improve the situation. Do you remember how long it took to clear up?

A brief update.

I prepared and faxed a letter to several dermatologists with an urgent plea for help. The dermatologists' office who performed my laser surgery called to tell me they could not help me. They told me to contact NYU and get a hold of their dermatology department. I was a little floored. They also told me they were looking at my pictures. I said "what pictures?" When it occurred to me that they were looking at the pictures of my laser surgery. So, if anyone is thinking about going to Affiliated Dermatologists in Morristown, please note that they are okay with taking a lot of money for laser surgery but not okay with diagnosing skin disorders.

Today, I saw Rachel S. Altman of Morristown Dermatology. She took a bioposy. She took a culture. She told me she was once on Accutane too. I immediately liked her because she was honest and proactive and had a history of acne. I get the results next week. In the meantime, I am going to do my best to keep my chin up - - despite the fact that I am tempted to say to people who are staring at me "what? is there something on my face? I didn't notice." Dr. Altman also gave me an anti-fungal and a prescription to Valtrex since she believes it looks like shingles. She also gave me all the Accutane stuff: pamphlet, card and prescription for bloodwork, just in case. Let's hope for not but at least the ball is already rolling and this doctor is hitting it from all angles.

So this is not how I wanted to spend my Summer.... oh well.

[nfamousjade]

Wow! I love your positive attitude towards your current condition! I'm sorry your having to go through this....your very strong! A lot of ppl wouldn't be able to handle it, but your handling so well. your really inspired me today.

[justsomeguy44]

Hey! I'm glad you finally saw a doctor that could help you out.

She is definitely onto something with the shingles, since it's localized. So whether it'd be a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, I bet what she gave you will help! Cause she definitely is hitting the problem from the viral and fungal directions, (since you said bacterial is out of the question)

Just be diligent! All things heal in time, plus.. it could be your whole face. So I believe the anti-biotics will pull through at some point.

Whatever the case is, the samples they took will spell out a distinct answer for you.

As for the people who stare, forget them. What's going on with your cheek right now may be unsightly, but you're still pretty, so at least when it clears you can go back to being pretty. Some people will be butt ugly for the rest of their life, even if they have perfect skin (I know plenty of those people)

And shingles... in the 4th grade spelling bee, that's the word that I got eliminated on..

[bumpyblonde]

From reading the stream of posts, here, if shingles is ruled out, you can still be suffering with acne even though it's only on one side of your face. I suffered with severe breakouts on one side of my face as I approached my 40th birthday. Women's hormones begin to fluctuate as they age, and this can contribute to acne.

I can't tell you what will eventually work for you, but I can tell you that you what i did. My skin is now relatively clear with minor scaring and I had large infected cysts and nodules that were painful (and some that were not):

I reduced sugar & dairy intake and more veggies. Some people say cut coffee. That was hard for me, but I reduced to one a day.
I maintained a regular exercise regimen.
Prescription for the infections: tetracycline antibiotic Doxycyline (I reluctantly took this for 4-6 weeks)
Prescription topical antibiotic: clindamycin, 1%/benzoyl peroxide, 5% combo (for spot treatment)
Prescription for maintenance of clear pores: Tretinoin (a Retinol generic) used every other day and still use ~2-3x/week

Also, a dermatologist told me that the antibiotic I was prescribed takes about 2 weeks to START working.

My regimen now is to use a benzoyl peroxide treatment (the famed Proactive actually works for me). However I didn't start using it until the infections were gone. I alternate treatment nightly: Night 1) Proactive BP treatment followed by Glycolic Acid 10% cream and Night 2) Tretinoin (retinol) after washing & toning with Proactiv but no BP treatment cream (step 3)

When it comes to washing your face with acne infections, less is more. Scrubbing will spread infection. You might try a really gentle wash like Cetaphil or I had a 20-something friend suffering with acne tell me that Dial liquid soap worked for her. Gentle washing with luke warm water and blot dry with a clean towel. Otherwise don't touch active infections.

You probably have heard some of these suggestions already, but I hope this helps a bit. It WILL get better. You are handling so well! Stay positive and keep fighting!

[Randall Flagg]

Hey there! I wish I had more knowledge on the subject that could help you here, but I doubt I'm more qualified than the doctors you visited. I'm glad you visited a derm that has had experience with acne and knows the burden of the condition, I'm sure that makes you feel extra comfortable around that her. Just wanted to give you a little emotional support...the rest of your skin looks flawless and you have very pretty features, I'm sure they'll find a solution for you and find a treatment that will work for you.

Best of luck!

[OMalleyJane]

Jade, thank you. You must know that inside I am freaking out but I am trying to adopt a zen master attitude - - the same attitude I eventually gained over bumper to bumper traffic. I am POWERLESS.

Justsomeguy, you know, it may be my whole face... which is a large part of my fear - - well that and how the heck will I afford the scar revision sure to follow this episode.

My skin is so freaking weird. I had clear skin up until 25 when I broke out in severe cystic acne for six months. That was enough to do a lot of damage. Then it was clear again for ten years and now this...

BumpyBlonde, I am ordering Proactive after tomorrow (pending results). I am also going to suggest Spiro unless I have to take BCP for Accutane. (Anything but Accutane, pleaaaasseeee - - I am too old for that kind of damage). Still, the idea of life without chocolate once a day - - how would I manage? It's my only vice. : ) Do you remember how long it took to clear up?

Flagg, thank you sooo much. I love this site because of that key reason, Well, that and I know I am dealing with real people with real experiences who can give me some great advice but emotional support - - even better!

I went to the zoo today with my son and my big goofy hat. I noticed that a large percentage of people have skin issues - - not as pronounced as a the giant bumpy rash from hell on my cheek - - but I am not allowing this to stop me from living. So I'm a leper - - use some purel if I bump into you and get over it!

I will post tomorrow after my appointment. It may be a teary post...

[justsomeguy44]

Yeah! Did Accutane give you side effects? Like hurting joints and what not?

I think there are better options to use than proactive. I would speak to your dermatologist about what sort of Regimen you should be using after this episode. As for the scar revision, just do it when you can. Don't stress about it or rush it either. The only thing that should concern you is making the first stretch of recovery, one day at a time. I'm sure you're leaving the affected area to recover without picking, popping or squeezing, which means scarring will most likely be minimal.

I would definitely recommend mentioning Spiro to your derm, as well as a topical regimen along with Birth control pills. Hormones play such a HUGE HUGE role in acne.. Maybe a Benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin regimen. Whatever the case is, jumping from topical/antibiotic treatments over and over again is better than dealing with acne with OTC products. That's why derms are here!

~How is the rest of your face holding up? And the localized area? Is it showing progress? or does it more or less look the same as the last pic?

Good luck, the appointment tomorrow will be a big one. I'm sure they'll be able to point a finger on what is exactly going on and give you the exact treatment method for it!! Nothing is more accurate and scientific than collecting and observing samples!

And yes, SO many people have skin problems. I see it all the time at work and school. I'm so observant of people's skin and it's normal to have breakouts. I was chilling with a group of people last night, and I realized that all of us (5 people) happen to be going through pimple breakouts.

It's so nice of you too still be taking your son out. You're being a good mom, and good moms make their kids happy no matter what is going on. So be proud of yourself for that, and feel empowered.

[OMalleyJane]

Accutane caused my hair to fall out (but I have a lot of hair so it was not noticable to anyone but me). Accutane caused my lips to crack open and bleed. I carried a huge tub of Aquaphor in my purse for my lips. Accutane caused my skin to completely flair in acne. Accutane may have or may not have contributed to my feelings of depression and sorrow however, I was young, partying and I am also bipolar already. Add severe acne to the situation and BOOM -you instantly become less than a ray of sunshine.

How right you were, though, the doctor prescribed BP and clindamycin. I will put it on tonight and hope for the best.

Unfortunately, the diagnosis is Rosacea Fulminans which is the atrocious form of Rosacea and doesn't exactly fall under the category of acne. The solution that seems to work is Accutane and Prednisone. My dermatologist was nearly jumping off her chair in excitement and said something about bringing me to a conference with her in April. Apparently, it is that rare. (I may be kicked off Acne.Org now and sent packing to the Rosacea Support Group.)

I am attaching a picture of today. Personally, I think it looks like it's healing but I am not sure since I (like most of you) keep sneaking into the bathroom to look at the mirror to see if it's improved. Right now, it is just red and angry and red, red, red.

So I start a new course of Prednisone and get to be all puffy and manic and wait for my negative pregnancy test so I can ride the Accutane Dragon once again. This is silly since I underwent tubal litigation after my son was born and my family was complete. But this doesn't make a difference.

Alas, my 15 minutes of fame was not supposed to be at some Dermatology Conference (unless it was the wonders of never aging - tehe) but Poster Girl for Rosacea Fulmanins is apparently my calling. (a bunch of swear words inserted here)

Attached Files

•  July 12.jpg   74.61K   104 downloads

[Green Gables]

So they are putting you back on two things that you already tried?