I have just been searching on the internet for advice on whether a dietitian might be able to help me with my acne. Since I was about 15 I have had acne, at times it has been so bad on my back that I have had to wear clothing that hides it even in hot weather. I have been through various treatments which have worked but are not lasting. The current breakout I'm experiencing is particularly nasty, it seems that every poor on my face is affected, and a few spots are extremely inflamed. It's very upsetting and getting upset makes everything worse. It's a vicious cycle! My treatment history is as follows:

- On combined pill Dianet from age 15 to 25 (I stopped taking it because it's not supposed to be taken for that long) - still had breakouts
- 2-months using a cream prescribed by a doctor (GP) - no good, and not enough in the tube to cover my entire back!
- Prescribed an anti-bacterical liquid used at hospitals during operations - did nothing except for bleach all my clothing and towels
- 4-month course of Roaccutane (with combined pill Femodette) at age 27 - had perfect skin for about 4 months, then the acne came back
- 3-month course of Roaccutane (with combined pill Femodette) at age 28 - perfect skin again for a couple of months, then the acne came back
- 2-months using zinc gel at age 31 prescribed by dermatologist - no good
- 2-months using benzyl peroxide gel at age 31 - no good
- 2-month course of antibiotics (with combined pill Dianet) at age 31 - absolutely no effect, acne covering all pores on face, very inflamed spots on face and back
- 2-month course of Roaccutane for the third time! (with combined pill Dianet) at age 31 -almost cleared acne, not completely
- Gynaecological scan (ultrasound) ordered by dermatologist shows I have polycistic ovaries
- Blood tests (ordered by dermatologist) to check insulin curve (insulin resistance can cause ovarian cysts) - everything normal, no pre-diabetes
- Age 32 acne is attacking again

So, it seems that the condition I have (polycystic ovaries) is what is causing my acne - the cysts force my ovaries to produce too much testosterone, which is inflammatory, and is the route cause of my acne.
The reason I was tested for insulin resistance was to see whether this might have caused the cysts on my ovaries. However, I do not have pre-diabetes. So the only explanation for the cysts is simply bad luck and genetics.
There is a way to treat polycystic ovaries, which is by taking testosterone hormone blockers, BUT, if one were to fall pregnant by accident whilst taking these blockers it would lead to disaster for the fetus, which is simply not fair on the poor little person.
And I can no longer take the combined pill, because after years of taking the stuff I have found that it makes me susceptible to the most horrendous migraines. (I have been getting worse and worse migraines since I was 24, and now at 32 I have only just realised
that the culprit was the combines pill.

I am tired of medicines and remedies (home remedies too, which unfortunately also do nothing). And I'm not going to take the testosterone blockers.

So, after reading this forum, I have decided to make an appointment with a dietitian who specialises in treating conditions including polycistic ovaries. I am really hoping that she will be able to help where no other doctor has been able to (although
I have to say that I have been treated for acne in both the UK and in Chile (where I am currently living) and have made far more progress in the Chilean system than in the UK system... just saying... even though the Chilean system has still failed to cure my acne, at least they've helped me find the root cause).

I plan to post again once I have seen the dietitian (in Chile). I would like to say that it should be simple - just eat more fruit and veg... but if it were that simple sure I would have achieved it by now. It's OK to look for a bit of help now and again!

Hopefully my post will help other people who are also struggling with acne, or even some young people who are being told "you'll grow out of it", when deep down you know you won't (like me!!).

Jennifer