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@25years It's going to take years to prove. I am having hard core genetic testing done well beyond a genome and exome. My guess is that the Thyroid is involved in metabolic pathways. Insulin is involved in Hypothalamus stimulation, which controls the Thyroid. Deficient nutrient signaling can result in many metabolic issues, including the Thyroid and skin. I am sure it goes way deeper than that. I don't believe it's the Thyroid that impacts the skin, but the Insulin dysregulation. That's why people with Diabetes develop skin ulcers that are slow healing. This would be a new form of Diabetes, potentially classified under MODY. Research MODY.
@25years It's going to take years to prove. I am having hard core genetic testing done well beyond a genome and exome. My guess is that the Thyroid is involved in metabolic pathways. Insulin is involved in Hypothalamus stimulation, which controls the Thyroid. Deficient nutrient signaling can result in many metabolic issues, including the Thyroid and skin. I am sure it goes way deeper than that. I don't believe it's the Thyroid that impacts the skin, but the Insulin dysregulation. That's why people with Diabetes develop skin ulcers that are slow healing. This would be a new form of Diabetes, potentially classified under MODY. Research MODY.
- This is interesting because if I dont eat I get fainting and hot, I always thought it was because my thyroid. Im negative for diabetes. I do get light headed more then the average person
@dar-wins Ok that is interesting thank you for the info. I have quit sugar completely in the pastincluding not even eating fruit. I believe I did it for about 4 months but did not see any improvement at all. Its difficult to continue something when you arent seeing any results. I eat low-glycemic now but I dont completely avoid sugar such as local raw honey, maple syrup, and fruit. Maybe it was the combo that worked for you. It seems different things work for different people. I dont understand why I saw zero improvement quitting sugar or taking valaciclovir. Im glad that you have found relief though this disease is absolutely horrific.
I have found my people! Finally I am so fed up with doctors its not even funny everything Ive read above is EXACTLY what I have experienced gone through since I was 17 years old. I am now 44!!! Reading this forum has helped me realize I am not alone!!! Obviously there is a problem and THE DOCTORS need to earn their money not just collect a paycheck I am so sick of looking like a meth addict.. because I cant get proper treatment! This is what I pulled out tonight.., I found you guys after asking google pics what it was! These lesions last a year or longer make craters harden over then more critters resurface Im over it!
I think it is Histamine!
I have a new phone and miss all my photos. The picture is of one of my ulcers healing.
The plugs are inflamed follicles and hair bulbs.
The cause is an overreaction from the immune system.
I also had no help from dermatologist in my country.
I got a diagnoses of "pyoderma gangrenosum" while on my travels, but the dermatologist in my home country would not accept the results despite even having laboratory tests.
I had large necrosing ulcers because of these "plugs". The disease is characterized by a high neutrophils (type of white blood cell) infiltration. But i could not find the cause without a doctor to help me. As the disease can have many causes.
I am on the Autistic spectrum and hypersensitive. A rough cotton T-shirt will make my skin burn.
I had this a lot worse when stressed.
But the answer was there and simple. Histamine.
This may not be the cause of all your cases, but it is in mine.
Finally free from these after 6 years of intense pain.
I hope this information is useful for at least some of you?
I would love if you try antihistamines that you share if they help you to.
Also the plugs are your body trying to heal and are definitely not parasites.
Hi . So would a Histamines pill help this situation? I have a horrible reaction to eating RAW vegetables and salad I cannot digest these foods Ive always wondered if these lesions were connected to my gut issues I read today actually about an AOD SUPPLEMENT that helps issues with histamine any further information would be greatly appreciated.
@25years Technically, I have normal A1C and fasting glucose. Those are the main Diabetes Diagnosis criteria. The problem lies in the criteria. I just have very quick spikes up and spikes down into hypoglycemia, I go hypo at night. That's why I suggested to get a CGM. Google Lingo. It's not cheap - 50 bucks for 2 weeks of readings - but if it changes your path - then invaluable. I have low insulin, low C-Peptide, low Pro-Insulin, low Leptin, high Pro-insulin/Insulin ratio - with normal A1C and normal fasting glucose. I have a high 2 hour OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test where you basically drink 2 soda's in 2 minutes).Mine is in Diabetes range. If you are able to get that test - which is hard with normal A1C and fasting Glucose - request that they also test not just glucose after 2 hours, but insulin/C-Peptide and Glucose, and do it at 30 minute intervals. Best of luck with that request.
@finerfeedback You and I are the same. It is horrific. Sometimes this website separates people, rather than bringing us together. Please know I hear you. Nothing is proven yet genetically - and it will take a long time, but I have already had full genome and exome. It seems like you understand that honey, fruit and maple syrup are sugars (and agave, and brown sugar, and white flour and potatoes, and it's in ketchup and BBQ, and almost every product, etc). I will say, the lesions I already had still took time to heal. I just didn't develop new ones. I still have one on my shoulder that is almost healed - it's closed up, just bumpy and peels. IDK, I'm just throwing it out there for all of the many people who have struggled and suffered since 1980, and I am sure way before that. Get some of these blood tests. Get a Continuous Glucose monitor (no prescription needed) - and let me know.
@gingerpoof I have also have had that around hairs/in follicles. I do believe it is excessive keratin - but do your own research. Diabetes, or rare MODY, can impact skin, hair, hair follicles, keratin production, dry skin, skin healing, skin ulcers, immune. I don't know - but neither does anyone else. I'm just trying to help. I will say that you are not wrong - immune system, histamine - they are both also involved. I have low Natural Killer Cells, High IL-1B (a cytokine), negative for mast cell - but broke out in full body hives after doing a glucose challenge...as if I am allergic to glucose.
@gingerpoof We are very similar. Thank so much for your input. The vegetable thing could be Thyroid, or Insulin, or just metabolic dysregulation. I actually have it as well. Thank you so much for letting me know I am not alone. If you get your Thyroid tested - make sure they do 5 blood tests (they will want to do 3 - don't let that happen). TSH, T3, T4, Free T3, Free T4.
Hi, From what youre describing, those "jelly-like plugs" might be keratin or sebum plugs, sometimes they form deep in pores and get trapped under layers of skin, almost like a cyst or dilated pore of Winer, a benign skin condition characterized by a solitary, enlarged pore, often resembling a large blackhead......The fact that theyre stretchy and wont squeeze out easily points to something deeper than regular acne. Have you tried warm compresses or salicylic acid patches to soften them before extraction? It might reduce the need for digging....Try hydrocolloid patches short term, see how it goes. Try this, a benzoyl peroxide wash (low %) could help prevent new plugs from forming by keeping pores clearer..W
Hi! Ive been following this thread for about a year now. I have been suffering from this condition for a couple years now and it has almost driven me insane. I was embarrassed and kept it from my family even though my husband would tell me to leave my face alone but he just didnt understand the pain and itching. It was unbearable. Im 42 years old and never had acne until this. I had a total hysterectomy 5 years ago so Ive often thought that my hormones played a role.
I finally started to talking to my friends and family about it after I found this forum because I felt I had a whole support group backing me up and that Im not crazy.
I finally went to a dermatologist a couple months ago and they gave me tretinoin cream, Azelaic acid, niaminicide and spironolactone and also clotrimazol just in case the root cause was fungal.
In a weeks time my face went into a frenzy and it became angry. I took myself back up there and walked in asking them to please look at my skin. It was getting worse by the minute. They turned me away and said I couldnt get in until my follow up appointment which was in a months time. I was defeated 😞 so I called a skin cancer specialist and made an appointment. It took three weeks but I was determined to get a second opinion.
When I went to the appointment I told them what happened at the dermatologist and they were very sympathetic. I told them I was not leaving without answers. They apologized that the dermatologist I had seen prior to this appointment gave me a bunch of medicines without knowing what it is. They did a hole punch biopsy I waited two weeks and went back.
The results showed that I had chronic folliculitis. She said unfortunately the cause was not determined but she said to quit taking the other meds. Gave me Doxycycline 100mg 2 x a day. I have a benzoyl peroxide wash that I use twice a day and she gave me clindamycin gel. They then said after I use these medicines I should put on a good moisturizer and spf.
She also gave me a lecture on picking which I understand and agree that it could leave scarring but like most on this forum, this stuff doesnt really go away on its on. The extraction seems to be the only way to get relief from the pain and itching and ultimately leads to healing the open wounds.
But I was prepared to have that discussion brought a little bag of the plugs. I took them out and explained that this just doesnt heal until these whatever they are come out. Then she took a couple and examined them. They turned out to be the hair follicles themselves 🤯 That is why it leave a scar and an indentations once they are removed. We are literally removing precious real estate in our faces. Once the hair follicles are pulled they dont come back either. Now thats easier said than done because i dont care how much my husband or my doctor says to not mess with it, i cant get relief until they are out!
Ive been on this regiment that this doctor has me on for two weeks now and Im seeing a ton of improvement. Slow. But steady improvement. I hated the idea of being on antibiotics for 2 months, or at all, really. But, the doctor said that the reason it hadnt worked before when I was being treated for staph is that I only took a round for 7-10 days and that just wasnt enough for the chronic folliculitis that I have.
Lastly, my theory on this is. Folliculitis can be caused by bacteria or fungus regardless if this condition worsens by not taking the proper channels for prevention and it gets to the chronic stages the inflammation and fluid in these cluster blister type sores cause irreversible damage and kills the hair follicles causing a reaction, like there is a foreign object in your body so your body starts attacking it like an auto immune attack. Once the follicle is dead, your body starts to shed the damaged follicles. Of course, I help the trapped follicle along by grabbing a pair of tweezers and extracting which then it bleeds for a moment but I put clindamycin on and in the morning its better and starts healing ❤️🩹 now I didnt discuss this theory of the dead hair follicles with my doctor but when I go back for my follow up I will.
Like I said I am two weeks into the treatment. I do not have any news spots and the last two spots are starting to heal. I did extract several hair follicles but its because while the medicine seems to be working great I still had the pain of those little dead, hard, rice like follicles so I thought I would speed up the process.
I will say that when I extracted about 12-14 of these out of a spot on my chin it left a scar and none of my little blonde baby hair is growing back at all. All of this makes so much more sense now😌 When I started researching chronic folliculitis i found that it does cause permanent hair loss so I really feel like my theory is absolutely correct. (At least in my case)The only thing I am questioning now is the root cause is it bacterial, or fungal? Anyway, I hope this helps some people on here. I will keep you all updated as I move forward with treatment.
@prayingforanswers Hi! First of all, thank you for including pictures - this is exactly what I've been dealing with as well! I have previously thought about this being folliculitis as it does seem logical. It would also explain why different things have been working for different people since the etiology of folliculitis can be bacterial, fungal, viral, or non-infectious. This isn't exactly great news since folliculitis can be caused by SO many things. One of the main causes is any mechanical or chemical irritation - this can simply be chlorine in your tap water, the face washes/moisturizers/other products you're using, make-up, sweating, shaving/waxing, laundry detergent (someone on here actually said their "lesions" went away once they switched their detergent!), etc. I was "in remission" for MONTHS once I started isotretinoin, but then I had new lesions show up overnight after I spent the prior day out in the sun, sweating all day. I'm assuming that my flare-up was caused by sweat because nothing else in my routine has changed. The thought that in order to get my skin to look normal again I have to avoid sunlight/heat/sweating is just so unrealistic and quite frankly, devastating. I have also considered that these lesions may be caused by dermaplaning (essentially shaving), which I've admittedly been doing on & off for 10+ years. I wonder if other people on here are dermaplaning/shaving as well? I'm not exactly sold on this being the root cause since, like I've mentioned, I've dermaplaned for 10+ years and it's only ~2 years that I've been dealing with these lesions, but it is possible.
In your case, I'm surprised the doctor took a biopsy & didn't give you the exact etiology. These lesions should have been swabbed to determine the specific bacteria (if it even is bacterial). I think it's so wrong that they suggested being on an antibiotic for 2 months without a definitive bacterial etiology. It's great you're seeing an improvement (and I hope it continues), but it's just very concerning. I'd be loading up on tons of probiotics if I were you - yogurts, kefir, kimchi, etc. Being on antibiotics for that long can wreak havoc on your flora & cause fungal infections down the line (or actually worsen this skin condition if it's fungal etiology). Please keep us updated!
@dar-wins thank you very much for your response! Yes, this disease is absolutely horrific indeed and thats saying the least. Im in so much pain right now from the sores I just want to scrape my skin off. So do you think your lesions are actually caused by diabetes/MODY? Besides quitting sugar (do you avoid all fruit btw) and taking the valacyclovir, is there any other cure you have implemented that seems to have been effective? My sores will absolutely not heal unless these white plugs are removed they feel like tiny shards of glass in the skin. They will continue to grow back until it just finally decides to heal. I also have noticed very stringy and clotty blood comes out of these, its completely abnormal. Once I have a sore heal, it just moves elsewhere and begins in a new spot. Like it always has to be active somewhere on my skin. Were your lesions similar or did yours heal on their own without intervention from you??
Hi,
I created an account just now so I could contribute my voice to this thread. I almost cried when I found it; I've been struggling with this exact issue for at least 10 years.
I was STUNNED when I stumbled on this thread - everything almost everyone describes is exactly, precisely what I'm dealing with:
- small white "plugs" under the skin that won't pop, are very adherent, kinda rubbery/elasticy, and must be plucked out with tweezers or something similar;
- The spots where these little buggers are directly located are ITCHY, and I don't mean like surface itchy or mosquito bite itchy, I mean like I can feel a sharp, zappy, sting-y kind of "bzzt" itch way deep down like it's under the skin. It's a SENSORY NIGHTMARE.
- extracting the little suckers leaves a hole behind which bleeds profusely for a minute then stops;
- When I can get the whole thing out in one piece, there appears to be a hair at the root end, which made me think it's some weird kind of folliculitis?
- The lesion surrounding these little plugs WILL NOT HEAL until the plug has been extracted. I've tried leaving scabbed-over spots completely alone for a week or two, and there's never any improvement - the scab remains exactly the way it is the entire time, and often feels spongy like the wound underneath isn't drying or healing at all.
- Also, it seems like it won't heal unless the "correct" little plug thinger has been pulled; I've had lesions that still won't heal and keep sprouting new tiny little thingers until I find and pluck out what I think of as the "main" one, then proper healing usually finally starts;
- Most of the time, they just come back. Even after the spot has healed and I think I'm in the clear, eventually that same spot will start to get angry and itchy, and it starts all over again;
- I have been to SO many doctors and dermatologists, and have experienced the same dismissal as most everyone else here; they just throw a Rx at me and tell me to stop picking.
- I have tried damn near every single topical and oral medication that everyone here has mentioned - antibiotics, antifungals, benzoyl peroxides, sulfur soaps, balms, oils, creams, lotions, toners, you name it. NOTHING has helped, at least not significantly. The prescription medications have either had no effect or just made things worse.
- Also, the spots where these appear are always in the exact same place, and they don't ever seem to spread. They're recurring in the same location the same way cysts are, just coming back over and over and over again. I call them "trouble spots", and have therefore learned to keep an eye on them. Oddly, they seem to follow a somewhat symmetrical pattern as well, which I've pointed out to the last derm I saw but was shrugged off.
There are two factors which make this a particularly difficult struggle for me; one is that these are showing up only on my face, primarily my forehead and chin. Of course, since these are the oilier areas of the face, almost every Dr and derm tells me it's just acne caused by my picking at it, and tries to treat it accordingly. And not only is it painful, it's also extremely embarrassing. It's gotten EXTREMELY bad over the last few months, and I don't usually leave the house unless I'm wearing a bandana covering my forehead; when the ones on my chin are really scary looking, I wear a mask. Mostly, I just don't leave the house unless I absolutely have to.
The second factor that makes this particularly difficult for me is that I AM a picker. 🙁 Like, severely full-blown, OCD, repetitive compulsion picker. It's a mental illness that I've been battling for a long time, and had been in therapy for it until somewhat recently (had to stop due to financial constraints). And to be honest, the picking is actually MUCH better than it ever used to be, I've come a long way. But unfortunately, the combination of this skin condition and the compulsion to pick and dig huge, bloody craters in my face is probably the worst combination you could possibly have. 🙁 I am absolutely positive that I am mentally in a place where I can get my picking under control, if only I didn't have anything to pick AT. And I've told all of this to all the Dr's and derms, but as I mentioned, none have been helpful. The last one I saw was nice at least; she was very sympathetic but didn't do much besides shrug and tell me she didn't know what it could be, and didn't order any tests or anything. I have an appointment coming up beginning of August with yet another derm, but I don't have high hopes.
Currently, I have re-started a course of Accutane because I'm at my wit's end and I can't think of anything else that might possibly provide some relief. The unfortunate addition of the picking compulsion means that my facial wounds are pretty bad, and so I also struggle with trying to heal them decently; I've found that Polysporin is a definite no-no, as I had a bad reaction to it. I use Ozonol sometimes though, and even though it's virtually the same thing it doesn't cause the same reaction. I have also recently started using a moisturizing healing balm that someone on Reddit recommended called "Balm of Gilead Manuka Honey Cream", and the results are somewhat promising - my skin doesn't hate it, and sometimes I think I even see some improvement.
I'm sure I missed some points I wanted to mention, but this post is already long enough. Sorry for the wall of text btw - I guess I just needed to get all of this out in a place where people will actually understand.
Hi,
I created an account just now so I could contribute my voice to this thread. I almost cried when I found it; I've been struggling with this exact issue for at least 10 years.
I was STUNNED when I stumbled on this thread - everything almost everyone describes is exactly, precisely what I'm dealing with:
- small white "plugs" under the skin that won't pop, are very adherent, kinda rubbery/elasticy, and must be plucked out with tweezers or something similar;
- The spots where these little buggers are directly located are ITCHY, and I don't mean like surface itchy or mosquito bite itchy, I mean like I can feel a sharp, zappy, sting-y kind of "bzzt" itch way deep down like it's under the skin. It's a SENSORY NIGHTMARE.
- extracting the little suckers leaves a hole behind which bleeds profusely for a minute then stops;
- When I can get the whole thing out in one piece, there appears to be a hair at the root end, which made me think it's some weird kind of folliculitis?
- The lesion surrounding these little plugs WILL NOT HEAL until the plug has been extracted. I've tried leaving scabbed-over spots completely alone for a week or two, and there's never any improvement - the scab remains exactly the way it is the entire time, and often feels spongy like the wound underneath isn't drying or healing at all.
- Also, it seems like it won't heal unless the "correct" little plug thinger has been pulled; I've had lesions that still won't heal and keep sprouting new tiny little thingers until I find and pluck out what I think of as the "main" one, then proper healing usually finally starts;
- Most of the time, they just come back. Even after the spot has healed and I think I'm in the clear, eventually that same spot will start to get angry and itchy, and it starts all over again;
- I have been to SO many doctors and dermatologists, and have experienced the same dismissal as most everyone else here; they just throw a Rx at me and tell me to stop picking.
- I have tried damn near every single topical and oral medication that everyone here has mentioned - antibiotics, antifungals, benzoyl peroxides, sulfur soaps, balms, oils, creams, lotions, toners, you name it. NOTHING has helped, at least not significantly. The prescription medications have either had no effect or just made things worse.
- Also, the spots where these appear are always in the exact same place, and they don't ever seem to spread. They're recurring in the same location the same way cysts are, just coming back over and over and over again. I call them "trouble spots", and have therefore learned to keep an eye on them. Oddly, they seem to follow a somewhat symmetrical pattern as well, which I've pointed out to the last derm I saw but was shrugged off.
There are two factors which make this a particularly difficult struggle for me; one is that these are showing up only on my face, primarily my forehead and chin. Of course, since these are the oilier areas of the face, almost every Dr and derm tells me it's just acne caused by my picking at it, and tries to treat it accordingly. And not only is it painful, it's also extremely embarrassing. It's gotten EXTREMELY bad over the last few months, and I don't usually leave the house unless I'm wearing a bandana covering my forehead; when the ones on my chin are really scary looking, I wear a mask. Mostly, I just don't leave the house unless I absolutely have to.
The second factor that makes this particularly difficult for me is that I AM a picker. 🙁 Like, severely full-blown, OCD, repetitive compulsion picker. It's a mental illness that I've been battling for a long time, and had been in therapy for it until somewhat recently (had to stop due to financial constraints). And to be honest, the picking is actually MUCH better than it ever used to be, I've come a long way. But unfortunately, the combination of this skin condition and the compulsion to pick and dig huge, bloody craters in my face is probably the worst combination you could possibly have. 🙁 I am absolutely positive that I am mentally in a place where I can get my picking under control, if only I didn't have anything to pick AT. And I've told all of this to all the Dr's and derms, but as I mentioned, none have been helpful. The last one I saw was nice at least; she was very sympathetic but didn't do much besides shrug and tell me she didn't know what it could be, and didn't order any tests or anything. I have an appointment coming up beginning of August with yet another derm, but I don't have high hopes.
Currently, I have re-started a course of Accutane because I'm at my wit's end and I can't think of anything else that might possibly provide some relief. The unfortunate addition of the picking compulsion means that my facial wounds are pretty bad, and so I also struggle with trying to heal them decently; I've found that Polysporin is a definite no-no, as I had a bad reaction to it. I use Ozonol sometimes though, and even though it's virtually the same thing it doesn't cause the same reaction. I have also recently started using a moisturizing healing balm that someone on Reddit recommended called "Balm of Gilead Manuka Honey Cream", and the results are somewhat promising - my skin doesn't hate it, and sometimes I think I even see some improvement.
I'm sure I missed some points I wanted to mention, but this post is already long enough. Sorry for the wall of text btw - I guess I just needed to get all of this out in a place where people will actually understand.
parasite called scp-189, research it! You look like I did!
@25years Thank you, I actually did see this in some previous posts and looked it up! It's on my list of things to mention to the new dermatologist I'll be seeing next month. And I will be INSISTING on having some lab tests done, whether it be a swab or blood work or whatever, because all of the previous derms I've seen haven't bothered. 🙄
@johnjohnson3 I have personally never experienced either of those symptoms so I dont believe that could be related.
@mizweirdo Please for your own sake dont bring up scp-189 to your dermatologist. They will immediately mark you down as crazy and dismiss the reality of your symptoms. SCP-189 is a fully fictional parasite, its not real. Its easy to find online that SCP-189 is a fictional entity from the SCP Foundation, a collaborative writing project that features a variety of supernatural and anomalous objects. It is not real but part of a creative universe that includes horror and science fiction elements.
Those white plug things have been found to be a mix of collagen and keratin, not a parasitic worm. I guarantee if you go in suggesting that, they will diagnose you with delusions of parasitosis and try to put you on some psych med. Its a tragedy that they will completely ignore all of the real symptoms right in front of their eyes, but trust me they will.
Hi,
I created an account just now so I could contribute my voice to this thread. I almost cried when I found it; I've been struggling with this exact issue for at least 10 years.
I was STUNNED when I stumbled on this thread - everything almost everyone describes is exactly, precisely what I'm dealing with:
- small white "plugs" under the skin that won't pop, are very adherent, kinda rubbery/elasticy, and must be plucked out with tweezers or something similar;
- The spots where these little buggers are directly located are ITCHY, and I don't mean like surface itchy or mosquito bite itchy, I mean like I can feel a sharp, zappy, sting-y kind of "bzzt" itch way deep down like it's under the skin. It's a SENSORY NIGHTMARE.
- extracting the little suckers leaves a hole behind which bleeds profusely for a minute then stops;
- When I can get the whole thing out in one piece, there appears to be a hair at the root end, which made me think it's some weird kind of folliculitis?
- The lesion surrounding these little plugs WILL NOT HEAL until the plug has been extracted. I've tried leaving scabbed-over spots completely alone for a week or two, and there's never any improvement - the scab remains exactly the way it is the entire time, and often feels spongy like the wound underneath isn't drying or healing at all.
- Also, it seems like it won't heal unless the "correct" little plug thinger has been pulled; I've had lesions that still won't heal and keep sprouting new tiny little thingers until I find and pluck out what I think of as the "main" one, then proper healing usually finally starts;
- Most of the time, they just come back. Even after the spot has healed and I think I'm in the clear, eventually that same spot will start to get angry and itchy, and it starts all over again;
- I have been to SO many doctors and dermatologists, and have experienced the same dismissal as most everyone else here; they just throw a Rx at me and tell me to stop picking.
- I have tried damn near every single topical and oral medication that everyone here has mentioned - antibiotics, antifungals, benzoyl peroxides, sulfur soaps, balms, oils, creams, lotions, toners, you name it. NOTHING has helped, at least not significantly. The prescription medications have either had no effect or just made things worse.
- Also, the spots where these appear are always in the exact same place, and they don't ever seem to spread. They're recurring in the same location the same way cysts are, just coming back over and over and over again. I call them "trouble spots", and have therefore learned to keep an eye on them. Oddly, they seem to follow a somewhat symmetrical pattern as well, which I've pointed out to the last derm I saw but was shrugged off.
There are two factors which make this a particularly difficult struggle for me; one is that these are showing up only on my face, primarily my forehead and chin. Of course, since these are the oilier areas of the face, almost every Dr and derm tells me it's just acne caused by my picking at it, and tries to treat it accordingly. And not only is it painful, it's also extremely embarrassing. It's gotten EXTREMELY bad over the last few months, and I don't usually leave the house unless I'm wearing a bandana covering my forehead; when the ones on my chin are really scary looking, I wear a mask. Mostly, I just don't leave the house unless I absolutely have to.
The second factor that makes this particularly difficult for me is that I AM a picker. 🙁 Like, severely full-blown, OCD, repetitive compulsion picker. It's a mental illness that I've been battling for a long time, and had been in therapy for it until somewhat recently (had to stop due to financial constraints). And to be honest, the picking is actually MUCH better than it ever used to be, I've come a long way. But unfortunately, the combination of this skin condition and the compulsion to pick and dig huge, bloody craters in my face is probably the worst combination you could possibly have. 🙁 I am absolutely positive that I am mentally in a place where I can get my picking under control, if only I didn't have anything to pick AT. And I've told all of this to all the Dr's and derms, but as I mentioned, none have been helpful. The last one I saw was nice at least; she was very sympathetic but didn't do much besides shrug and tell me she didn't know what it could be, and didn't order any tests or anything. I have an appointment coming up beginning of August with yet another derm, but I don't have high hopes.
Currently, I have re-started a course of Accutane because I'm at my wit's end and I can't think of anything else that might possibly provide some relief. The unfortunate addition of the picking compulsion means that my facial wounds are pretty bad, and so I also struggle with trying to heal them decently; I've found that Polysporin is a definite no-no, as I had a bad reaction to it. I use Ozonol sometimes though, and even though it's virtually the same thing it doesn't cause the same reaction. I have also recently started using a moisturizing healing balm that someone on Reddit recommended called "Balm of Gilead Manuka Honey Cream", and the results are somewhat promising - my skin doesn't hate it, and sometimes I think I even see some improvement.
I'm sure I missed some points I wanted to mention, but this post is already long enough. Sorry for the wall of text btw - I guess I just needed to get all of this out in a place where people will actually understand.
I relate so much to this post. I also struggle with OCD, and your face looks exactly how mine did. I am now treating my OCD, and my picking has improved. Not resolved, but improved for sure. I find there to be so many different opinions on the cause of these plugs and sores and I agree with an earlier post that its a sort of folliculitis. I also agree that it could have many different causes for many people (I.e. bacterial, fungal, Demodex, etc.) and that is contributing to the varying accounts of success - or lack there of. In my case - I believe I am suffering from a Demodex overgrowth resulting in folliculitis. I have been using ivermectin cream and also taking anti parasitic medication and also treating the folliculitis and have been seeing a lot of success. It has not fully resolved for me yet, but Im now finally in the best place I have been in years. For me, Clove oil, urea, ivermectin cream, tazarotene cream and oral moxidectin has been what is working for me. Ive been where you are, it does get better, Im so sorry youre struggling.
@finerfeedback Wait, really? 😟 I didn't see any of that information when I researched it, but I didn't dig that deep. Shoot 😞 I'll have to look further into that.
@25years - did you receive a diagnosis from a dermatologist about this?
@coldclimate - thank you for this. It's been such a struggle, and I can't seem to find a dermatologist who will take me seriously; so far they've all blamed me for the problems with my skin. I've been very upfront with them regarding my picking because I want to make sure they have the whole story, but at that point they're convinced that's all that's going on, no matter how much I insist that there really is an underlying problem.
As I mentioned in my post, my picking really has subsided significantly since I started; I've been taking NAC for a little over two months and I think it's been helpful. But I'm absolutely positive that I can get the picking compulsion under control once and for all if I can just get this skin thing cleared up.
The last derm I saw gave me a Rx for a demodex cream, but I had to stop after about 3 days because it was making the sores SUPER angry and irritated. Which sucks, because it was expensive. 😑 But that's been my reality for the last several months - I've spent SO much money on both Rx and OTC stuff that hasn't worked, that I wish I could get back.
I've seen a couple of other posts in this thread that mention ivermectin cream, which is one I haven't tried yet. I *might* mention that to my derm as a possible treatment, but we'll see what they say first. I'm going to put together a written list of absolutely everything I've tried (Rx, OTC, et al), and I will still be INSISTING on a lab test of some sort. After having found this thread, I finally have a tiny glimmer of hope that I may be one step closer to solving this problem once and for all.
Ty everyone for your input! I will gladly take any and all advice into consideration, and I'll keep everyone posted on any treatments &/or progress. ❤️
@finerfeedback Wait, really? 😟 I didn't see any of that information when I researched it, but I didn't dig that deep. Shoot 😞 I'll have to look further into that.
@25years - did you receive a diagnosis from a dermatologist about this?
@coldclimate - thank you for this. It's been such a struggle, and I can't seem to find a dermatologist who will take me seriously; so far they've all blamed me for the problems with my skin. I've been very upfront with them regarding my picking because I want to make sure they have the whole story, but at that point they're convinced that's all that's going on, no matter how much I insist that there really is an underlying problem.
As I mentioned in my post, my picking really has subsided significantly since I started; I've been taking NAC for a little over two months and I think it's been helpful. But I'm absolutely positive that I can get the picking compulsion under control once and for all if I can just get this skin thing cleared up.
The last derm I saw gave me a Rx for a demodex cream, but I had to stop after about 3 days because it was making the sores SUPER angry and irritated. Which sucks, because it was expensive. 😑 But that's been my reality for the last several months - I've spent SO much money on both Rx and OTC stuff that hasn't worked, that I wish I could get back.
I've seen a couple of other posts in this thread that mention ivermectin cream, which is one I haven't tried yet. I *might* mention that to my derm as a possible treatment, but we'll see what they say first. I'm going to put together a written list of absolutely everything I've tried (Rx, OTC, et al), and I will still be INSISTING on a lab test of some sort. After having found this thread, I finally have a tiny glimmer of hope that I may be one step closer to solving this problem once and for all.
Ty everyone for your input! I will gladly take any and all advice into consideration, and I'll keep everyone posted on any treatments &/or progress. ❤️
The dermatologist says it's eczema! I have a doc appointment tomorrow for my test results! I will keep you updated. I also have a apt coming up with a herb logistics, I'm trying everything! All the doctors just shrug their shoulders and say they don't know!? I been working really hard with doing a parasite cleanse on myself and I am getting better, it is a process due to me having this issue for so many years. The beginning of my healing started on this site a year ago with finding the athletic tape!
@25years I've seen others mention athletic tape, but it's unclear to me what/how it's used, exactly? Could you or someone else fill me in?
@25years I've seen others mention athletic tape, but it's unclear to me what/how it's used, exactly? Could you or someone else fill me in?
When I have a itch or anything I cut a piece of athletic tape off and put it over the irritated area, change the tape thru out the day. Some areas you will need to change more often. Test it out and see if it helps! The tape and wormwood pills have been life changing! Also, no one can see the tape under your clothes!