27 replies to this topic

[Sheraz]

February 4th, 2013 PHOTO UPDATE AT BOTTOM! (Last 3 taken yesterday)

 

LATEST REGIMEN USED FOR 1.5-2 MONTHs:

 

Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser every morning after showering, clindamycin lotion after im out of the shower, and drinking 3 teaspoons of Psyllium Husk powder in water every morning! Check out the results after just a month and a half :

 

 

Hello virtual community,

I have joined the ranks of those who are (or previously have) suffered, both mentally and physically, from acne. Let me begin with saying I am currently 20 years of age, male, and had acne for only 4 months and NEVER had acne before -- just the occasional whitehead\pimple that would go away within a week COMPLETELY. My face was completely clear.. But now.. that is not the case (SIGH)

PICS PROVIDED BELOW + Please move this topic accordingly if its in the wrong section. Thanks:

Once I turned 20 (literally the week I turned 20), I started getting acne. At first, there were just red bumps that appeared (there was no acne there ever -- before or after the bump -- there were just red bumps that formed out of the blue!). I thought my diet and whey protein were the cause, but after stopping that completely for a good month, it didn't do anything at all -- things just got worse! NOTE: My forehead NEVER and STILL HASNT got acne.. its smooth as a baby's butt, and as clear as one too, but the rest of my face isn't like that... is this significant??

Within this month, the red bumps started becoming more than just bumps: some of them actually formed into cysts!! They HURT! With some of the cysts, I could feel them moving and pulsating while I talked and the pain in just that was very annoying, and saddening.

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EDIT: Sasch83 helped bring this up. From the first day of acne, I started drinking a LOT more water, did not eat fried foods (which I barely did because of the gym), and ate a lot more vegetables from the beginning). Plus, my dermatologist said that food only has little to do with the acne, especially if youre already eating relatively healthy. Thanks Sasch
===

I went to a dermatologist (for the first time ever) and she told me I had adult on-set acne. Here is what I have taken over the 4 months I've had acne:


1.) Regular face washes (day and night)
-- (Weeks 1-2) St. Ives Apricot scrub (BAD FOR CYSTS, GOOD FOR WEAK ACNE).
-- (Weeks 2-5) Clearisil Ultra (Didn't do anything)

2.) Both face washes did nothing, so my dermatologist gave me a topical cream instead:
-- (Weeks 5-7) Tazorac and Aczone creams. Taz at night, Zone in the morning. Both were HORRIBLY drying and turns out they are not the best for cysts. I stopped this after 2-3 weeks because they were just BURNING my skin and nothing really suppressed\stopped the cysts.

3.) After telling my dermatologist that this does not seem to be the right method, she prescribed me 3 things to use as a regimen:
-- Weeks (6-15) (NOT PRESCRIBED, JUST GIVEN BY DERM): Cetaphil Gentle Oil-Free Cleanser -- Day and night, then use the following:
-- Weeks (6-15) Minocycline Antibiotic -- twice a day (Said DAN 60 on each pill, so that may be the strength? Im not sure)
-- Weeks (6-15) Ery 2% pads (Erythromycin) -- After washing face with cetaphil
-- Weeks (6-15) Clindamycin phosphate 1% topical lotion -- After washing face and applying pads

Number 3.) was the only method that did work (temporarily, at least). My cysts started going away and I had literally 1 or 2 white heads that appeared within a course of a week or two. I was very hopeful! This combo was the method for me, but just like all my fellow acne sufferers, I`ve done over 9000 hours of research on all antibiotics, methods, accutane, spironolactone, all that fun stuff, I found out that antibiotics are just a temporary cure\relief. Just as expected, after i stopped taking Minocycline for just 2-3 days, BAM. Another cyst and more small red bumps.

I am officially fed up (despite this being only 4 months of acne) and wish to cure it. My derma told me to simply go straight to accutane as my acne was cystic, so I had grounds to going on it. However, I did extensive research and, knowing all of the side effects + having a friend who went on it and loved it, I am optimistic in taking it; however, till I get more feedback from the forum, I will leave Accutane for now till I finish discussing my issue. I am VERY WILLING to go on Accutane, just want to get my story out there first and get some feedback.

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EDIT: Added new photos as of January 17th (taken this day). Analysis info added below!
===

PICTURE ANALYSIS [SEE BELOW -- the beginning, how it is now, and how clear my skin was BEFORE all these face neighbors:
-- The first and second pictures (my face from both sides) shows my face after the first 3 weeks that I noticed bumps (this was the starting of my acne\cysts)
-- The third picture is the epitome of my first breakout -- cysts everywhere that hurt and red bumps that accompanied it.
-- The fourth and fifth pictures (last 2) are my face now. This is much better because I was taking antibiotics, so it would have been worse! This picture contains mainly red bumps, and only 2 cysts. I really dont know how else to classify them so if anyone has info on that, thanks!
-- The 6th and final pic is just for explanation purposes: It was me just a month before this catastrophe hit my face. This is to show how badly it hit me and how clear I was before. (I literally had like 1 blemish, which went away as quickly as it got there) -_-

===
EDIT: New photo information below and actual photos at the end of this topic post!
===

-- 7th pic --> Front view: I have not had any active acne on the front area of my face and cheeks, but Im COVERED in marks
-- 8th pic --> Left view: This side is much clearer, even with marks.. however a new inflammed THING on my jawline (which you can see clearly) developed. It popped by itself so its just going down now.. more marks..
-- 9th pic --> Right view: This side is probably the worst.. red marks EVERYWHERE, and a nodule or two right ON my jawline and RIGHT BELOW my jawline (you can see them!). Despite all of this, my acne has been getting better in terms of cysts\papules, but I did get 2-3 pimples since my last update.. so things slowed down but are going still (ERY pads+clindamycine lotion)

So what do you all think? Should I screw the antibiotics (which I've slowly stopped taking because lets face it, acne comes back once you stop) and just go on Accutane (what was your feedback, if taken?)? What else can I do? Its only been 4 months since I've been suffering acne and I've never suffered anything like this before, but I dont want this to last for months, or even years, nor do I feel like I can bear the emotional and physical stress its putting on me for longer..

Thank you very much for ANY AND ALL contributions, and all the best to my fellow sufferers.. I truly sympathize

- Sheraz

Here's the pictures:

Attached Files

•  acne.jpg   241.77K   6 downloads
•  acnescar oct162012.jpg   191.28K   4 downloads
•  acnescar2 oct162012.jpg   181.29K   2 downloads
•  photo 2.JPG   169.39K   2 downloads
•  photo 1.JPG   132.54K   5 downloads
•  Zain200.JPG   163.69K   5 downloads
•  Jan172013 FRONT ACNE.JPG   111.54K   3 downloads
•  Jan172013 LEFT ACNE.JPG   108.02K   0 downloads
•  Jan172013 RIGHT ACNE.JPG   120.05K   2 downloads
•  20130204_220416.jpg   64.49K   1 downloads
•  20130204_220425.jpg   65.73K   0 downloads
•  20130204_220430.jpg   52.88K   0 downloads

Edited by Sheraz, 04 February 2013 - 09:17 PM.

[Sasch83]

I feel your pain. Acne as an adult sucks (i'm 29 so i should know) but you should know you're not alone. In my humble opinion, sitch the antibiotics as they do more harm than good. If you're gonna try a topical, you have to give it at least 3-4 months before deeming it as not working. I recommend you do that with a retinoid, make some diet changes during that time and if at the end of 4 months there has been no improvement, then accutane is a good bet.

Always try least intensive and move towards more intensive treatments. But at the end of the day, the choice and decision is yours
Good Luck!

[Sheraz]

I feel your pain. Acne as an adult sucks (i'm 29 so i should know) but you should know you're not alone. In my humble opinion, sitch the antibiotics as they do more harm than good. If you're gonna try a topical, you have to give it at least 3-4 months before deeming it as not working. I recommend you do that with a retinoid, make some diet changes during that time and if at the end of 4 months there has been no improvement, then accutane is a good bet.

Always try least intensive and move towards more intensive treatments. But at the end of the day, the choice and decision is yours
Good Luck!

Thanks Sasch! You brought up a good point about diet, which I forgot to mention (but have now edited into my topic). My diet was already relatively healthy, consisting of lots of water throughout the day (increased from my original amount) + more vegetables than usual + no fried foods.

As you said, intensive treatments should be my last resort (such as accutane); the topical creams were too strong and burned my cysts and skin so thats why I had to stop. I completely agree with antibiotics because one NEEDS bacteria in the stomach, which is why I've slowly stopped it only after 1 month of usage (despite the temporary relief it showed).

So far, Im leaning towards just taking accutane Its my best bet, especially since my derma told me to simply start with accutane because other treatments would only be temporary, and my kind of acne typically responds well to tane.

OH BTW: since this only started 4 months ago (once I hit 20), how long do you think this will last? I know its a non-answerable question, but the point is: what could be the duration given that it just started recently.

Edited by Sheraz, 02 January 2013 - 07:32 PM.

[londoncat8]

For me nothing worked except accutane. I suffered acne for about 20 years and I have tried all there was to try. If you do decide to go for accutane you should read though positive and negative accutane experiences on this site to get an idea about this drug:) Your skin does not look too bad:) Best of luck to you!

[Sheraz]

For me nothing worked except accutane. I suffered acne for about 20 years and I have tried all there was to try. If you do decide to go for accutane you should read though positive and negative accutane experiences on this site to get an idea about this drug:) Your skin does not look too bad:) Best of luck to you!

I feel so tiny compared to those who've suffered from acne for years, such as yourself! Thanks for your feedback, also!

As mentioned, I've done extensive research (HOURSSSSS on end) regarding accutane and am quite familiar with its side effects and the various experiences people have gone through. My ONLY end-goal is to prevent scars -- and by tackling the problem with a long-term solution (such as accutane?), I'll ensure minimal scarring. Maybe I should just stop being a baby and take tane?

Edited by Sheraz, 02 January 2013 - 08:49 PM.

[nakedsmurf]

I don't think your acne is too severe for Accutane.

[Sheraz]

I don't think your acne is too severe for Accutane.

You know what, I thought so too but after discussing it with my dermatologist, and researching a WHOLE LOT, I decided it should definitely be an option to consider. I asked my dermatologist and she said that the only reason she recommends I go for it as soon as I'm ready is because its cystic acne. Plus, they really hurt when they get inflamed; I could even feel it when I talk sometimes

Acne flipped my world upside down, and I'm on the conquest to flip it back around!

Edited by Sheraz, 02 January 2013 - 10:26 PM.

[mybeautifulface]

i think yu should go on accutane, my derm also said to not waste much time on the antibiotics. im getting stomach problems from it

[Sheraz]

i think yu should go on accutane, my derm also said to not waste much time on the antibiotics. im getting stomach problems from it

Are you planning on taking it also? I really just want to get rid of this and accutane seems to be that long-term treatment I'm aiming for.

Anyone else taken accutane or have my kind of acne?

EDIT: It's also interesting to note that I have never, and still haven't got, ANY acne on my forehead! It's SO smooth and clear and wish my entire face was like that, but thats not the case.. is not having any form of acne on my forehead EVER a significant factor?

Edited by Sheraz, 03 January 2013 - 10:16 PM.

[mybeautifulface]

i think yu should go on accutane, my derm also said to not waste much time on the antibiotics. im getting stomach problems from it

Are you planning on taking it also? I really just want to get rid of this and accutane seems to be that long-term treatment I'm aiming for.

Anyone else taken accutane or have my kind of acne?

EDIT: It's also interesting to note that I have never, and still haven't got, ANY acne on my forehead! It's SO smooth and clear and wish my entire face was like that, but thats not the case.. is not having any form of acne on my forehead EVER a significant factor?

i wanna take it also because i have nodular acne (kind of like yours but more) but i wanna know what ppl whove taken it already think

[Sheraz]

i wanna take it also because i have nodular acne (kind of like yours but more) but i wanna know what ppl whove taken it already think

are you worried about the side effects? many people have had great results and minimal side effects (even a friend of mine), so I really feel you both of us should just do it!

[Green Gables]

Do you eat dairy? Your deem isn't really up to date on the new research that proves there is a solid link between dairy, sugar, and acne. Yeah, 20 years ago they taught med students that food had nothing to do with it, so all your derms now are just preaching what they were taught.

They were pretty much dead wrong.


See Dr. Hyman's research

Edited by Green Gables, 04 January 2013 - 10:23 PM.

[Sheraz]

Do you eat dairy? Your deem isn't really up to date on the new research that proves there is a solid link between dairy, sugar, and acne. Yeah, 20 years ago they taught med students that food had nothing to do with it, so all your derms now are just preaching what they were taught.

They were pretty much dead wrong.


See Dr. Hyman's research

Unfortunately, I get gastrointenstinal issues with dairy, so its always been kept to a minimum. In addition, sugars were MAJORLY lowered when I first started breaking out a couple of months ago, so that cant be it either.

Whats happening to meee!

[whoartthou1]

try paleo diet?

[twinsfan57]

1 word.....accutane. Probably one of the best decisions of my life. I'm one of the lucky ones and I think I might be clear in a month from it. Stop messing around with all that other garbage and get on the real stuff. As for the side effects, you only hear about the negative ones because they're much more active in speaking out against it. You don't hear about the THOUSANDS of people that its helped. If you want your life back, accutane is the way to go.

[Sheraz]

1 word.....accutane. Probably one of the best decisions of my life. I'm one of the lucky ones and I think I might be clear in a month from it. Stop messing around with all that other garbage and get on the real stuff. As for the side effects, you only hear about the negative ones because they're much more active in speaking out against it. You don't hear about the THOUSANDS of people that its helped. If you want your life back, accutane is the way to go.

What you said in your post exactly sums up the BILLIONS of hours of research I've done on accutane. It seems that they boast about the negative side effects (which are usually found in less than 3% of users) and barely talk about the VAST MAJORITY who have experienced GREAT results with only dry lips\eyes\skin (which I am willing to trade off TEMPORARILY to get my skin back).

Thanks

[Green Gables]

1 word.....accutane. Probably one of the best decisions of my life. I'm one of the lucky ones and I think I might be clear in a month from it. Stop messing around with all that other garbage and get on the real stuff. As for the side effects, you only hear about the negative ones because they're much more active in speaking out against it. You don't hear about the THOUSANDS of people that its helped. If you want your life back, accutane is the way to go.

What you said in your post exactly sums up the BILLIONS of hours of research I've done on accutane. It seems that they boast about the negative side effects (which are usually found in less than 3% of users) and barely talk about the VAST MAJORITY who have experienced GREAT results with only dry lips\eyes\skin (which I am willing to trade off TEMPORARILY to get my skin back).

Thanks

My roommate went completely bald halfway through her first Accutane course. Weird things do happen.

But it does help a lot of people. I would make sure you go on the minimum dose for your weight, though, and if you start experiencing things like dizziness, lower back pain, etc. to stop immediately.

[Sheraz]

1 word.....accutane. Probably one of the best decisions of my life. I'm one of the lucky ones and I think I might be clear in a month from it. Stop messing around with all that other garbage and get on the real stuff. As for the side effects, you only hear about the negative ones because they're much more active in speaking out against it. You don't hear about the THOUSANDS of people that its helped. If you want your life back, accutane is the way to go.

What you said in your post exactly sums up the BILLIONS of hours of research I've done on accutane. It seems that they boast about the negative side effects (which are usually found in less than 3% of users) and barely talk about the VAST MAJORITY who have experienced GREAT results with only dry lips\eyes\skin (which I am willing to trade off TEMPORARILY to get my skin back).

Thanks

My roommate went completely bald halfway through her first Accutane course. Weird things do happen.

But it does help a lot of people. I would make sure you go on the minimum dose for your weight, though, and if you start experiencing things like dizziness, lower back pain, etc. to stop immediately.

I'm probably going to try one more treatment called the DMK treatment (enzyme based), before beginning accutane. Have you, or anyone else, heard of this treatment? William debriefed me on it but im not very familiar with it nor can I find reviews of people who have taken it.

[Sheraz]

I just wanted to update this thread with some new info:

I stopped my anti-biotics about 2 weeks ago. After stopping, I had received 1 new cyst, and 1 new red bump. This was expected because the dermatologist had told me that you will break out again after stopping them, as normal. After these two went away, its been about 1 week with no new active acne.

My current regimen is simply this: shower in the morning, erythromycin 2% pad on face after drying from shower, clindamycin lotion once ery pads solution dries on face. Thats it! So far, my face feels cleaner, looks cleaner, and there has been no new active acne since and my skin feels less irritated.

Unfortunately, if I break out again with another cyst , I will have no choice but to go on accutane

[Sheraz]

Regular update:

Its been about 2 weeks since my last post, and since then I've had only 2 active pimples while continuing my regimen with the ERY pads and clindamycin lotion.

Although I am slightly optimistic from these results, I dread the feared post-optimism-breakout: especially since my prescription is just about out!

I was wondering what you guys think I should do now. I have many red scars, which I would like to know what to do with, and also some nodules right under my jawline that are not visibly raised, but are red so you can seem them. What should I do?