It could well be hormonal, your age is no protection (and at 31, you still have plenty of hormones floating around, thank you very much). Do you live in a small town? What a strange reaction by your gyno!

I would recommend finding a dermatologist and consulting her/him. You're likely to be taken much more seriously and a specialist is can be so much more helpful than a GP when it comes to acne.

The fact that it's only on one side of your face does beg the question of whether you are sleeping on a pillowcase that is causing a reaction, or whether you have a habit of touching that side of the face, etc. If surface bacteria or irritation are the culprit, your acne wouldn't be cystic, though; so if you have deep cysts, then you can dismiss the pillowcase and related theories...

It could well be hormonal, your age is no protection (and at 31, you still have plenty of hormones floating around, thank you very much). Do you live in a small town? What a strange reaction by your gyno!

I would recommend finding a dermatologist and consulting her/him. You're likely to be taken much more seriously and a specialist is can be so much more helpful than a GP when it comes to acne.

The fact that it's only on one side of your face does beg the question of whether you are sleeping on a pillowcase that is causing a reaction, or whether you have a habit of touching that side of the face, etc. If surface bacteria or irritation are the culprit, your acne wouldn't be cystic, though; so if you have deep cysts, then you can dismiss the pillowcase and related theories...

I don't see your picture, btw.

Thanks for responding. I attached my pic, not sure why it didn't upload before. I think most of the red marks are active and just flattened from the medrol dose pack I was taking.

I did receive the topicals/meds from a dermatologist. I have purposely not been sleeping on my right side but I do not think it would matter either because they are deep cysts. I'm really confused about why this is only happening to one side of my face.

I've seen lots of people posting about spironolactone. Does this help with my type of acne? Do you think I should ask the dermatologist about this if the topicals alone don't work? Since I can't tolerate antibiotics, I'm not sure what direction to go in.

Ah, now I can see the photo (even in the original post)! They do look quite flat, and not at all cystic, but I know that looks can be deceiving. Honestly, your best bet is a professional. I would stay away from prednisone (medrol) as much as possible, though... it's a pretty heavy med and affects all tissues by interacting with cellular DNA in the nucleus.

Have you tried a topical antibiotic or benzoyl peroxide or a sulphur-based cream? If you can feel clearly-formed cysts deep under your skin, you could ask about cortisol injections for those cysts, but otherwise, it will likely be a game of trial and error until you figure out what works.

This is an interesting puzzle and I'm sure you're pretty upset if you've never gotten bad acne before. Many of us have had this kind of acne nonstop since teens so at least you can count yourself lucky in that respect. I'd say it is a combination of something hormonal and something environmental. The hormone part could be a blip in your normal hormonal activity...like a surge of hormones due to stress or perhaps you have an ovarian cyst that is affecting the hormones.

Anyway...if it is only a surge issue then when your hormones calm down, the acne will too. Are you having painful periods or nonstop pain in that region? If so you may have other issues that need more testing to rule out any serious things that can also cause acne flare-ups.

Environmentally you could be reacting to foods...sometimes even foods you have always eaten. Although a one-sided reaction usually does not happen because of that. More likely is a reaction to a new detergent or make-up or lotion.

Key thing to do right now is not do too much...don't want to aggravate already sensitive skin that might just clear up on its own. I used to use a retinoid at night too but it was too much for my sensitive skin and actually made me breakout more than normal. I think the topical Cleocin-T (clindamycin) is a great topical...for me it is soothing and really works for cystic acne.

Hang in there. Since you didn't have this kind of acne before chances are that things will clear up with time and you'll return to your more normal skin.

On 12/1/2013 at 2:56 AM, emanresu said:

I'm 31 and have had clear skin my whole life until about 3 months ago. I would occasionally get a small whitehead but nothing big. Now I have semi-severe cystic acne on the right side of my face (cheek and chin). This type of acne is entirely new to me. I have pretty dry skin. My checks have always been clear in the past. I recently relocated at about the same time as the onset of my acne, but I have moved several times in the past few years so I am reluctant to blame the move.

I've gone to the derm and first tried minocycline then bactim. I had severe hypersensitivities to both. My lymph nodes in my neck/head swelled up and I had a fever/headache. So no more antibiotics for me. Both times I was given a medrol dose pack for the reaction which decreased the inflammation in my acne, but did not make them go away. (Pic of right cheek taken while on medrol-many red marks but not as bumpy as before). Now I only have topicals-tretinoin at night and clindamycin lotion for day.

Since this is sudden, I suspected a change in my hormones. I brought it up to my gynecologist and the nurse brushed it off as nothing, saying "No, not at your age." My age??? I'm 31! I should note that I have been on BCP (Yasmin) for years.

I'm at a loss. This is such a huge change for me and it keeps getting worse. It's terribly embarrassing. Does anyone have a similar experience? Any ideas of what to do next?[edited image out] [edited image out] [edited image out]

All acne is hormonal with the exception of a toxicity issue.

Elevated free testosterone and secondarily insulin.

Get both of the above in check and it's highly likely your skin will clear.

You have complete control over insulin based on what you eat. This requires no outside help. Only eat organic, free range meat, and organic fruit and vegetables along with nuts (no peanuts) and healthy oils such as olive and insulin be taken care of.

Elevated free testosterone is more complicated because it requires a doc who may not want to go along with the program.

You need a female hormone panel, testosterone, cortisol 8 am, and DHEA sulfate to determine what's going on.

If you do blood testing make sure it's on day 21 of cycle with bleeding starting on day 1. Day 21 is when progesterone peaks...

If you think you have PCOS make sure you get both Estradiol and Estrone.

Thank you all for responding! I am very happy that I joined this site.

Environmentally you could be reacting to foods...sometimes even foods you have always eaten. Although a one-sided reaction usually does not happen because of that. More likely is a reaction to a new detergent or make-up or lotion.

I have been trying to see if anything is different in my environment, since I did recently move and started a new job. It's the 2nd time I've moved in 2 years and to be honest, this move was a relief!! Before I was terribly stressed because I had to move back into my childhood home after grad school. I've been using the same detergent, makeup, and products. My apartment has carpet (that I shampooed 4 times) and no visible mold. I've even had the water tested! No notable changes there.

I am a vegetarian and I work out regularly. I've been racking my brain trying to find something around me that would cause this change in my skin but I can't seem to find anything. I am hoping it is stress related, but I would be surprised if it was. The biggest source of my stress lately has been my skin :-/

Hopefully you are right and it will clear up on its own.

You need a female hormone panel, testosterone, cortisol 8 am, and DHEA sulfate to determine what's going on.

If you do blood testing make sure it's on day 21 of cycle with bleeding starting on day 1. Day 21 is when progesterone peaks...

If you think you have PCOS make sure you get both Estradiol and Estrone.

I think you are right. I will ask to have my hormones checked out at my next appointment. Even though I am focusing only on my acne right now, it's best to know what is going on with my body.

Thank you all for responding! I am very happy that I joined this site.

 

Environmentally you could be reacting to foods...sometimes even foods you have always eaten. Although a one-sided reaction usually does not happen because of that. More likely is a reaction to a new detergent or make-up or lotion.

I have been trying to see if anything is different in my environment, since I did recently move and started a new job. It's the 2nd time I've moved in 2 years and to be honest, this move was a relief!! Before I was terribly stressed because I had to move back into my childhood home after grad school. I've been using the same detergent, makeup, and products. My apartment has carpet (that I shampooed 4 times) and no visible mold. I've even had the water tested! No notable changes there.

I am a vegetarian and I work out regularly. I've been racking my brain trying to find something around me that would cause this change in my skin but I can't seem to find anything. I am hoping it is stress related, but I would be surprised if it was. The biggest source of my stress lately has been my skin :-/

Hopefully you are right and it will clear up on its own.

You need a female hormone panel, testosterone, cortisol 8 am, and DHEA sulfate to determine what's going on.

If you do blood testing make sure it's on day 21 of cycle with bleeding starting on day 1. Day 21 is when progesterone peaks...

If you think you have PCOS make sure you get both Estradiol and Estrone.

I think you are right. I will ask to have my hormones checked out at my next appointment. Even though I am focusing only on my acne right now, it's best to know what is going on with my body.

I agree regarding your health in general, however all my comments have been directed toward acne. By the way, your doc may push back against the blood work. Most have very low interest and formal education in this area of practice. It's almost like they all brushed over this organ system. Unfortunately endocrinologists seem to only want to treat the most severe problems.

Thank you all for responding! I am very happy that I joined this site.

Environmentally you could be reacting to foods...sometimes even foods you have always eaten. Although a one-sided reaction usually does not happen because of that. More likely is a reaction to a new detergent or make-up or lotion.

I have been trying to see if anything is different in my environment, since I did recently move and started a new job. It's the 2nd time I've moved in 2 years and to be honest, this move was a relief!! Before I was terribly stressed because I had to move back into my childhood home after grad school. I've been using the same detergent, makeup, and products. My apartment has carpet (that I shampooed 4 times) and no visible mold. I've even had the water tested! No notable changes there.

I am a vegetarian and I work out regularly. I've been racking my brain trying to find something around me that would cause this change in my skin but I can't seem to find anything. I am hoping it is stress related, but I would be surprised if it was. The biggest source of my stress lately has been my skin :-/

Hopefully you are right and it will clear up on its own.

>

You need a female hormone panel, testosterone, cortisol 8 am, and DHEA sulfate to determine what's going on.

If you do blood testing make sure it's on day 21 of cycle with bleeding starting on day 1. Day 21 is when progesterone peaks...

If you think you have PCOS make sure you get both Estradiol and Estrone.

I think you are right. I will ask to have my hormones checked out at my next appointment. Even though I am focusing only on my acne right now, it's best to know what is going on with my body.

I feel you! You case sounds so similar to mine except that I am 26.. and had no insurance to see a doctor.. I got painful acne on my right side too which happened right a particularly stressful event in my life! I was wondering what I did wrong especially because I ate clean and exercised regularly. It was mostly through trial and error that I found out what worked for me - a cocktail of vit A, vit E, chelated zinc, borage seed oil capsules and DIM. I know it sounds like a lot, but within 3 weeks of diligently taking this my breakout stopped and the acne healed quickly too. Also I stopped drinking regular milk now and switched to almond milk. I do continue eating yoghurt on and off that hasnt caused a problem! I use Cetaphil cleanser every day and a salicylic acid peel every 2 weeks to help with the scars. If I do see an occasional breakout during the time of my period I use colloidal sulphur and it has really helped! I hope this helps you out! Good luck and keep your chin up

 

Thank you all for responding! I am very happy that I joined this site.

 

 

Environmentally you could be reacting to foods...sometimes even foods you have always eaten. Although a one-sided reaction usually does not happen because of that. More likely is a reaction to a new detergent or make-up or lotion.

 

I have been trying to see if anything is different in my environment, since I did recently move and started a new job. It's the 2nd time I've moved in 2 years and to be honest, this move was a relief!! Before I was terribly stressed because I had to move back into my childhood home after grad school. I've been using the same detergent, makeup, and products. My apartment has carpet (that I shampooed 4 times) and no visible mold. I've even had the water tested! No notable changes there.

I am a vegetarian and I work out regularly. I've been racking my brain trying to find something around me that would cause this change in my skin but I can't seem to find anything. I am hoping it is stress related, but I would be surprised if it was. The biggest source of my stress lately has been my skin :-/

Hopefully you are right and it will clear up on its own.

>

>

You need a female hormone panel, testosterone, cortisol 8 am, and DHEA sulfate to determine what's going on.

If you do blood testing make sure it's on day 21 of cycle with bleeding starting on day 1. Day 21 is when progesterone peaks...

If you think you have PCOS make sure you get both Estradiol and Estrone.

>

I think you are right. I will ask to have my hormones checked out at my next appointment. Even though I am focusing only on my acne right now, it's best to know what is going on with my body.

 

I feel you! You case sounds so similar to mine except that I am 26.. and had no insurance to see a doctor.. I got painful acne on my right side too which happened right a particularly stressful event in my life! I was wondering what I did wrong especially because I ate clean and exercised regularly. It was mostly through trial and error that I found out what worked for me - a cocktail of vit A, vit E, chelated zinc, borage seed oil capsules and DIM. I know it sounds like a lot, but within 3 weeks of diligently taking this my breakout stopped and the acne healed quickly too. Also I stopped drinking regular milk now and switched to almond milk. I do continue eating yoghurt on and off that hasnt caused a problem! I use Cetaphil cleanser every day and a salicylic acid peel every 2 weeks to help with the scars. If I do see an occasional breakout during the time of my period I use colloidal sulphur and it has really helped! I hope this helps you out! Good luck and keep your chin up

Dairy can significantly contribute to acne. The Milk Industry made a huge impact on the American diet when they convinced us than an UNHEALTHY product "does a body good".

Milk is only acceptable when non-pasteurized and whole from heifers that are grass fed, free range and organic. We generally won't find that palatable. It's also difficult to find a source like this.

From an overall health and in particular an acne based perspective, it's best to avoid all dairy.

 

Thank you all for responding! I am very happy that I joined this site.

 

Environmentally you could be reacting to foods...sometimes even foods you have always eaten. Although a one-sided reaction usually does not happen because of that. More likely is a reaction to a new detergent or make-up or lotion.

I have been trying to see if anything is different in my environment, since I did recently move and started a new job. It's the 2nd time I've moved in 2 years and to be honest, this move was a relief!! Before I was terribly stressed because I had to move back into my childhood home after grad school. I've been using the same detergent, makeup, and products. My apartment has carpet (that I shampooed 4 times) and no visible mold. I've even had the water tested! No notable changes there.

I am a vegetarian and I work out regularly. I've been racking my brain trying to find something around me that would cause this change in my skin but I can't seem to find anything. I am hoping it is stress related, but I would be surprised if it was. The biggest source of my stress lately has been my skin :-/

Hopefully you are right and it will clear up on its own.

>

 

>

You need a female hormone panel, testosterone, cortisol 8 am, and DHEA sulfate to determine what's going on.

If you do blood testing make sure it's on day 21 of cycle with bleeding starting on day 1. Day 21 is when progesterone peaks...

If you think you have PCOS make sure you get both Estradiol and Estrone.

>ockquote>

I think you are right. I will ask to have my hormones checked out at my next appointment. Even though I am focusing only on my acne right now, it's best to know what is going on with my body.

I feel you! You case sounds so similar to mine except that I am 26.. and had no insurance to see a doctor.. I got painful acne on my right side too which happened right a particularly stressful event in my life! I was wondering what I did wrong especially because I ate clean and exercised regularly. It was mostly through trial and error that I found out what worked for me - a cocktail of vit A, vit E, chelated zinc, borage seed oil capsules and DIM. I know it sounds like a lot, but within 3 weeks of diligently taking this my breakout stopped and the acne healed quickly too. Also I stopped drinking regular milk now and switched to almond milk. I do continue eating yoghurt on and off that hasnt caused a problem! I use Cetaphil cleanser every day and a salicylic acid peel every 2 weeks to help with the scars. If I do see an occasional breakout during the time of my period I use colloidal sulphur and it has really helped! I hope this helps you out! Good luck and keep your chin up

Dairy can significantly contribute to acne. The Milk Industry made a huge impact on the American diet when they convinced us than an UNHEALTHY product "does a body good".

 

Milk is only acceptable when non-pasteurized and whole from heifers that are grass fed, free range and organic. We generally won't find that palatable. It's also difficult to find a source like this.

 

From an overall health and in particular an acne based perspective, it's best to avoid all dairy.

Yes you are absolutely right! Even though I am not allergic to diary, cutting it out helped a great deal, especially with the inflamed type of acne that is really painful! But am having such a hard time giving up yogurt

I feel you! You case sounds so similar to mine except that I am 26.. and had no insurance to see a doctor.. I got painful acne on my right side too which happened right a particularly stressful event in my life! I was wondering what I did wrong especially because I ate clean and exercised regularly. It was mostly through trial and error that I found out what worked for me - a cocktail of vit A, vit E, chelated zinc, borage seed oil capsules and DIM. I know it sounds like a lot, but within 3 weeks of diligently taking this my breakout stopped and the acne healed quickly too. Also I stopped drinking regular milk now and switched to almond milk. I do continue eating yoghurt on and off that hasnt caused a problem! I use Cetaphil cleanser every day and a salicylic acid peel every 2 weeks to help with the scars. If I do see an occasional breakout during the time of my period I use colloidal sulphur and it has really helped! I hope this helps you out! Good luck and keep your chin up

Glad you were able to find something that works for you!! I've always taken a multivitamin but have been thinking of adding a small amount of zinc too. I've never heard of DIM before but (based on a quick google search) it sounds interesting!! Maybe worth a try. And I definitely have to look into something for the scarring. I've just been waiting on that part to hopefully let my skin heal a bit first. Thanks for sharing!

Dairy can significantly contribute to acne. The Milk Industry made a huge impact on the American diet when they convinced us than an UNHEALTHY product "does a body good".

 

Milk is only acceptable when non-pasteurized and whole from heifers that are grass fed, free range and organic. We generally won't find that palatable. It's also difficult to find a source like this.

 

From an overall health and in particular an acne based perspective, it's best to avoid all dairy.

I wish avoiding dairy was the key for me. Unfortunately, I already consume very little dairy so there is not much to cut out.

 

I feel you! You case sounds so similar to mine except that I am 26.. and had no insurance to see a doctor.. I got painful acne on my right side too which happened right a particularly stressful event in my life! I was wondering what I did wrong especially because I ate clean and exercised regularly. It was mostly through trial and error that I found out what worked for me - a cocktail of vit A, vit E, chelated zinc, borage seed oil capsules and DIM. I know it sounds like a lot, but within 3 weeks of diligently taking this my breakout stopped and the acne healed quickly too. Also I stopped drinking regular milk now and switched to almond milk. I do continue eating yoghurt on and off that hasnt caused a problem! I use Cetaphil cleanser every day and a salicylic acid peel every 2 weeks to help with the scars. If I do see an occasional breakout during the time of my period I use colloidal sulphur and it has really helped! I hope this helps you out! Good luck and keep your chin up

Glad you were able to find something that works for you!! I've always taken a multivitamin but have been thinking of adding a small amount of zinc too. I've never heard of DIM before but (based on a quick google search) it sounds interesting!! Maybe worth a try. And I definitely have to look into something for the scarring. I've just been waiting on that part to hopefully let my skin heal a bit first. Thanks for sharing!

 

>Dairy can significantly contribute to acne. The Milk Industry made a huge impact on the American diet when they convinced us than an UNHEALTHY product "does a body good".

 

Milk is only acceptable when non-pasteurized and whole from heifers that are grass fed, free range and organic. We generally won't find that palatable. It's also difficult to find a source like this.

 

From an overall health and in particular an acne based perspective, it's best to avoid all dairy.

I wish avoiding dairy was the key for me. Unfortunately, I already consume very little dairy so there is not much to cut out.

With the possible exception of toxicity, acne is caused by elevated free testosterone and secondarily insulin. Insulin is the only hormone that we can control. Insulin is released when we eat carbohydrates. In particular, simple carbs like sugar in milk chocolate and soda will spike insulin quickly. All dairy products are a problem (it may be the lactose or some other hormonal process) as well.

What most people don't know is that grains are not healthy. There are numerous health problems aside from acne. The sex hormones are excreted in bile and then reabsorbed in the enterohepatic cycle. When we eat grains, bran, cereal etc, sex hormones stick to grains resulting in an increased loss of these hormones in stool. This interferes with the hormone balance and results in deficiencies that can impact the overall endocrine system.

For optimum health eat:

Meat

vegetables

fruit

nuts (peanuts are not nuts but legumes)

You need saturated fat from natural sources like meat for optimal hormone production. Just make sure it's from an organic, free range source.

Try avoiding Gluten for a week (should be the rest of your life) unless you already are. Acne is just an allergic reaction. Find the allergen, eliminate acne.

Think of your acne this way, Celiac disease can start at anytime but the gluten allergy was always there.

Cut out all sugar for a couple of weeks and dairy products and get a liver or body cleanser. The brand called the cleaner is a good seven day brand. Also if you use fabric softener when you wash your pillow cases it can make it worse , so use a fragrance free washing detergent

I have the same exact problem! It looks just like yours. Ive been in and out of my local clinic. I did a general check up and they pulled blood, discovered I have vitamin D deficiency, very low. I got a shot and taking high doses of it.

Thought that was it but I still seem to be getting a few, again only on the right side.

I just recently went to check if I'm allergic to anything through blood. I'm still waiting for that.

And when my period cycle starts, I'll have to go straight in for a hormonal check.

I'll report back once I see if theres any problem.

One factor to consider and discount is whether the OP experienced a drop in night time temperatures as a result of the relocation.

I'm 25 and going through the same thing right now! In the last month and a half my skin has gone from completely clear to moderate acne. Not a pimple in three years to exactly like your picture. I have a few on the left side of my face but my right side is a disaster zone. I am on birth control and using this silly night gel that's doing nothing that my doctor gave me. Have you found any solution since posting this?

Acne often does this...flares up on one side of the face or the other. Irritation can really aggravate acne. Try using a really gentle lotion along with any acne meds you use. My derm recommends DML lotion...it was developed for acne prone skin and also following plastic surgery. It is very gentle and won't clog pores. I always resisted putting any lotion on my face since my skin was so oily...I was sure it made the acne worse. But after avoiding oils in my diet my skin got much less oily and I felt better about following through with using the lotion as recommended. Amazingly it really helped calm down inflammation. Be sure not to use any fabric softener on your sheets or pillow cases...very irritating to acne. Try using a fragrance free detergent.

Also avoid all dairy and sugary foods and oils. Eat whole unprocessed fresh food. This will help calm things down.

My skin got worse in my 30's too. You may also have a bit of rosacea which can sometimes manifest more like acne than red cheeks. Read about it on the web and try avoiding common rosacea triggers. In fact, acne that appears in your 30's and 40's is often actually rosacea. You will want to use a topical antibiotic such as metrogel or cleocin-t to stop the breakouts. In my case my derm also added a BP cleanser. Topical BP is too harsh if indeed you have rosacea + acne.

hi welcome.

when acne is on one side of the face, i always assume it has something to do with a pillow or maybe the sun only hitting one side of your face?

Hi everyone! I'm happy to report that I've discovered what was afflicting my skin. I mentioned in my earlier posts that I had recently relocated. I had the water checked, started seeing a dermatologist, paid attention to skin products, had the health department check out my apartment, and NOTHING. Well after several more months, I started having reactions to medicines, then foods, then practically everything in my environment. I've had CT scans, a chest MRI, hearing tests, hormone tests, blood tests after each drug reaction, STD tests, acne meds, allergy tests, antibiotics, creams, antihistamines, NSAIDs, proton pump inhibitors and about 7 rounds of steroids. Needless to say, it's been an EXPENSIVE year.

After many doctors, specialists, Urgent care and ER visits, I no longer have acne. (Or what I perceived as acne). It was some sort of allergic reaction all along. The common symptom I had was inflammation. I was misdiagnosed with acne, sinus infections, herpes, you name it....

Each specialist treated only those specific symptoms that were common to their trade. Against the allergist's recommendations, I stopped staying in my apartment. I commuted hours to work, I couch surfed, and finally I got out of my lease. I should mention that I got so bad at one point I was covered head to toes in hives from an allergic reaction to a medication for a sinus infection I didn't have. (I've never been allergic to a med before ever but in the last year I've reacted to at least 4, each time intensifying in severity). The hives on my face manifested like my previous acne. The hives lasted 3 weeks. After lightening, the hives still flare up once in a while, but now it just makes my skin appear pinkish and slightly splotchy. I believe it was a reaction to something inhaled in my apartment, possibly a mold or fungus allergy. There was no visible mold in my apartment.

Anyways, after being out of my apartment for 2 weeks my skin cleared. It's been about 2 months now with clear skin and my other symptoms are diminished. It's taken a while to get whatever this was out of my system, which was definitely in a toxic state a couple months ago.

Not sure if this will help anyone, but just wanted to put it out there. Pay attention to everything! Even my dermatologist didn't see the correlation between my symptoms.

Good luck everyone.

Hi everyone! I'm happy to report that I've discovered what was afflicting my skin. I mentioned in my earlier posts that I had recently relocated. I had the water checked, started seeing a dermatologist, paid attention to skin products, had the health department check out my apartment, and NOTHING. Well after several more months, I started having reactions to medicines, then foods, then practically everything in my environment. I've had CT scans, a chest MRI, hearing tests, hormone tests, blood tests after each drug reaction, STD tests, acne meds, allergy tests, antibiotics, creams, antihistamines, NSAIDs, proton pump inhibitors and about 7 rounds of steroids. Needless to say, it's been an EXPENSIVE year.

 

After many doctors, specialists, Urgent care and ER visits, I no longer have acne. (Or what I perceived as acne). It was some sort of allergic reaction all along. The common symptom I had was inflammation. I was misdiagnosed with acne, sinus infections, herpes, you name it....

 

Each specialist treated only those specific symptoms that were common to their trade. Against the allergist's recommendations, I stopped staying in my apartment. I commuted hours to work, I couch surfed, and finally I got out of my lease. I should mention that I got so bad at one point I was covered head to toes in hives from an allergic reaction to a medication for a sinus infection I didn't have. (I've never been allergic to a med before ever but in the last year I've reacted to at least 4, each time intensifying in severity). The hives on my face manifested like my previous acne. The hives lasted 3 weeks. After lightening, the hives still flare up once in a while, but now it just makes my skin appear pinkish and slightly splotchy. I believe it was a reaction to something inhaled in my apartment, possibly a mold or fungus allergy. There was no visible mold in my apartment.

 

Anyways, after being out of my apartment for 2 weeks my skin cleared. It's been about 2 months now with clear skin and my other symptoms are diminished. It's taken a while to get whatever this was out of my system, which was definitely in a toxic state a couple months ago.

 

Not sure if this will help anyone, but just wanted to put it out there. Pay attention to everything! Even my dermatologist didn't see the correlation between my symptoms.

 

Good luck everyone.

So in short, what exactly triggered your acne like lesions and what cleared it up?

My skin broke out due to an allergy. I don't know what exactly I am allergic to but my doctor said it appeared to be a reaction to some sort of inhalant. My best guess is some sort of mold or fungus allergen. This theory seemed consistent with all the research i had done.

I did not opt to have my blood tested to determine the exact allergen.

It cleared up by removing myself from my environment, in my case that meant my apartment. Different apartment building (same city) = clear skin.

Finding the right solution to your acne problem is especially difficult because everyone's skin is different.

Did you know there are many solutions available right in your home that you may not be aware of? In My Opinion, You OTC products are very effective but should be the last option.

In case anyone reads this thread, I wanted to give an update. It's been almost a year since my last update. I've been out of the apartment that caused me trouble. Fir the most part, I'm better. I gained back the weight I lost (and more), sensitivities to food and drugs stopped, and my skin is almost back go normal.

My skin will still occasionally flare up. It's nowhere near as severe. I believe it is from a toxicity that I inhaled in my apartment that still lingers in my system. After much research, I believe I inhaled a chemical, maybe a dioxin. My apartment was directly above a huge old boiler room and I believe it leaked or there was some byproduct let out from the boiler. The apartment building was built in the 1920s.

Unfortunately, I doubt the landlords care to inspect or address a possible issue. A neighbor told me he thought my apartment had a chemical smell. I also heard that a girl living in the basement, also near the boiler room was ill.

I hope if anyone is going through something similar, they find this and it makes their journey easier. It was a debilitating 9 months for me.