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Hello, desperate acne sufferer here!
So, I've had to battle with my face for almost 4 years now and I've just about had it. I've had the odd spot here and there ever since I was 15 around my nose & chin area, but when I turned 18 things started to...occur.
My forehead is my main concern. I do have tiny flesh-colored bumps around my mouth, but compared to my forehead it's nothing. I get the odd spot on my cheek or chin, but my forehead remains congested, red and angry looking. It's not cystic, and at worst it itches rather than hurts (thank God), but it's constant. It won't go away. I haven't had clear skin in years now, I'm so done.
I've been to the regular doctor and I've been to a dermatologist. The doctor prescribed me the regular benzoyl etc, then upped it to Differin, and when no topical would work (and Differin wrecked havoc), I was put on Minocycline. That cleared the worst of it up, and my angry Himalayan zits calmed somewhat, but it was still so bumpy and sensitive. I was put on Cephalexin during the summer, which was okay. Then Minocycline again, and again. At this point, I've been on antibiotics for months - with breaks in between every two or so - and while they seem to keep it at bay, they are only temporary, and I've still never been clear. I can't face people without makeup on and even then it looks obvious. It's really devastating to my self-esteem and I'm sick of having to baby my skin and resist to scratch when it itches.
Now, my acne is not the absolute worst. It's not cystic (I think). However, it's a constant, and it's wearing me down. I've heard of the side effects of Accutane, and while they make me wary, I'm starting to warm up to it fast. I just want to know, has anyone else dealt primarily with forehead acne? I've found cases where people had cheek acne, or forehead milia, but not quite my case. My skin is also ridiculously sensitive and a tad dry..will I be doing more damage than good?
I will be seeing a derm, but atm I have to wait it out due to financial reasons, so I thought I'd ask here. Do you think I may be a candidate? Do you see other solutions?
Thanks!!
PS: Sorry the pic is so ugly, but I wanted to show it how it really is, so flash was a necessity (although it did create a white cast and blended some out ugh). Also, that dark beige stuff on one is just some tinted benzoyl I use at night out of desperation, so disregard that lol
I think, as you said, you have to way your options and the pros/cons of a drug such as accutane. Everyone's body is different so there is no telling 100% of how you will react to the medication, side effects range from minimal to life-long afflictions. In my opinion, I'd look and maybe try the Regimen or something else first, really your forehead "acne" doesn't look that bad to me. However you are the one suffering and you are the one that will have to live with the consequences. Just some personal insight, my skin was worse than yours and my derm actually advised me against accutane and said I was not a candidate. PS You would know if its cystic... bumps that never come to a head and seem to be deeper in the skin(dermis) than other acne pustules.
I think, as you said, you have to way your options and the pros/cons of a drug such as accutane. Everyone's body is different so there is no telling 100% of how you will react to the medication, side effects range from minimal to life-long afflictions. In my opinion, I'd look and maybe try the Regimen or something else first, really your forehead "acne" doesn't look that bad to me. However you are the one suffering and you are the one that will have to live with the consequences. Just some personal insight, my skin was worse than yours and my derm actually advised me against accutane and said I was not a candidate. PS You would know if its cystic... bumps that never come to a head and seem to be deeper in the skin(dermis) than other acne pustules.
Thank you so much for your answer!
Yeah, it's not cystic, so I count myself very fortunate in that regard (except I do have one underneath the skin right between my brows that feels deeper, so that may be cystic but it's small and not too bad..it only hurts when I apply pressure during washing/drying).
I tried the Regimen but it was largely ineffective. It seems that gentle things have no effect, yet "stronger" stuff such as retinoids freak my skin out completely :/ I may not get cleared for Accutane at all, though, because of lack of actual cysts.....
Perhaps a smaller doses? I've heard that moderate acne (which I guess mine is) can be 'cured' by less Accutane, and not have such bad side effects. Sounds ideal to me! Perhaps too good to be true..?
It's more the angry looking inflammation and the fact that it's constant that makes me weary of it. I'm really sick of concealer, foundation etc at this point. Also, it itches and I can feel it 
Very feasible option, low dose accutane. I've also heard of people taking 5-10 mg everyday and seeing positive effects. Understand your frustrations, just always have to weigh your options and not get bogged down. I just don't want to be dependent on taking a medication everyday, even if I believe the US is over-medicated as it is. But again, your choice, your life, your consequences. Just know you have support, and you are a very pretty girl regardless . Happy Thursday.
Agreed, I just think sometimes we get this idea in our heads that accutane is a "wonder-drug", and sure it has done miraculous things for some people, but also disatrous things to others. I think research is a great idea! Derms might not always know best, but they are educated and most have our best interests in mind. I hope it works out for you!!
Yea, derms definitely don't always know the best...the one I went to barely even looked at me or asked me anything -.-
In the meantime I'm trying La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, which is basically benzoyl (sigh), but this is a higher percentage than the ones I tried previously and who knows...it's been a while since I last tried benzoyl!