I'm new to this site. I have battled with acne for about ten years. The past two months it's recently gotten out of control. I have cystic acne on my left cheek and very deep cysts under my chin. I have never had cystic acne under my chin before....which concerns me. They are so painful! (Probably the worst part for me) I went to the doctor and was prescribed Zovia birthcontrol to see if it would help. I am on my third month of BC, but I can't really tell if it's helping. I was wondering if any women on here have used BC to control their acne. How long did it take you to see results?
I also recently saw my dermatologist who prescribed me an antibiotic and topical creams to treat the acne from the inside and the out. I have been on antibiotics before and had good results. I am hoping I see improvements within the next few months, because I am becoming depressed about my skins condition. It's hard to feel helpless and completely out of control. I'm starting to obsess about what food I eat, how I sleep, if I touch my face or not, etc. I don't want acne to rule my life. You know? I'm normally very outgoing and happy, but these past months have felt like hell. I've begun isolating myself. Mostly, only surrounding myself with family and friends who I feel comfortable around with no makeup on. I'm trying hard to battle the emotional rollercoaster that comes with acne, but I feel so defeated. How do you cope with your acne?
I'm scheduled to see the derm in a month. From there we will discuss Accutane. He said he is willing to put me on it, but is going to write that he suggested against it. He told me two horror stories. One guy developed Chrohn's disease on it and another developed hearing loss. He said there was no proof to link Accutane to their problems, but that both occured while they were on Accutane. He also told me his brother was on it and had no issues. I've also had two friends go on it and have nothing but good come of it. The thought of Accutane seems so alluring but also terrifying. Does anyone have any input?
Thanks for your time,
La Mariposa
I'm not sure where you live but here in Europe we have dianette, known as Diane 35 in Canada. In Us a pill with a similar effect is Yasmin. These are the 2pills that work effectively for acne. Check out the reviews on here which are over whelmingly positive. They take at least 3months to start working but they do work. Especially for the cystic acne in my experience dianette works almost immediately, longer for pimple and zit type acne. I would definitely try this before accutane.
I was put on Yaz several years ago and began to see improvement in body acne almost immediately (within a week). Within three months, my face and body were completely clear. I have had the best results with birth control than with anything else I have tried and I have tried almost everything.
With all that you are on (topicals, antibiotics, birth control), I would expect that you would see some improvement but I certainly know how frustrating it can be. I too have had acne for ten years although had been clear or very mild for the past three years until this past summer and the past six or seven months have been a nightmare. It's easy to become obsessive but hang in there, I think everyone just has to find what works for them.
As for dermatologist visits, it sounds like we are in a similar situation. I have an appointment coming up as well and we are discussing accutane. I am also struggling with the decision... good luck to you!!