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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
Anything you can Possibly think of I tried 3 years the worst is the summer months, what that means I don't know, I've tried all antifungals orally and creams, doxycycline helps but doesn't fix it, predisone nothing mexothitrate nothing vitamins, diet nothing, tried lotions, different acids, Now I've told 9 different dermatologists my story I took Oxycotin for 11 years yea the strongest stuff out there 80mg three to five a day but if I ran out or ran out of money I'd go on Suboxone for a few days, after a month of doing them I would slowly get blemishes on my face 2 to 6 and they would be very hard to get rid of (keep in mind my skin was perfect even as a teenager maybe 10 pimples in ten years Total, usually on my nose) anyway when I got off of oxys for a few days my skin would Deflate and any blemish I had would peel off 3 days later, but after 10 years of doing this they stayed and got worse, so I quit doing any opiates 4 years ago and was dealing with this since, however 3 years ago I started getting these imbedded sores on my arms and some on my legs, IT'S AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE I'M 57 AND I HAVE TO WEAR MAKEUP AND NOW ON MY ARMS, I'VE BEEN TO ENDOCRINOLOGIST, 9 DERMATOLOGISTS, 3 REGULAR DOCTORS AND NOT ONCE HAD ANYONE LOOK UP CLOSE WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS WEIRD, If I pull out a hair on my face there's a LOT of thick stuff up and down the shaft and it's probably 70% every hair on my face, and I've offered to show Doctors this and they don't take me up on it. COMPLETELY DISGUSTED WITH DOCTORS AND COMPLETELY REPULSED WITH MYSELF
Anything you can Possibly think of I tried 3 years the worst is the summer months, what that means I don't know, I've tried all antifungals orally and creams, doxycycline helps but doesn't fix it, predisone nothing mexothitrate nothing vitamins, diet nothing, tried lotions, different acids, Now I've told 9 different dermatologists my story I took Oxycotin for 11 years yea the strongest stuff out there 80mg three to five a day but if I ran out or ran out of money I'd go on Suboxone for a few days, after a month of doing them I would slowly get blemishes on my face 2 to 6 and they would be very hard to get rid of (keep in mind my skin was perfect even as a teenager maybe 10 pimples in ten years Total, usually on my nose) anyway when I got off of oxys for a few days my skin would Deflate and any blemish I had would peel off 3 days later, but after 10 years of doing this they stayed and got worse, so I quit doing any opiates 4 years ago and was dealing with this since, however 3 years ago I started getting these imbedded sores on my arms and some on my legs, IT'S AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE I'M 57 AND I HAVE TO WEAR MAKEUP AND NOW ON MY ARMS, I'VE BEEN TO ENDOCRINOLOGIST, 9 DERMATOLOGISTS, 3 REGULAR DOCTORS AND NOT ONCE HAD ANYONE LOOK UP CLOSE WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS WEIRD, If I pull out a hair on my face there's a LOT of thick stuff up and down the shaft and it's probably 70% every hair on my face, and I've offered to show Doctors this and they don't take me up on it. COMPLETELY DISGUSTED WITH DOCTORS AND COMPLETELY REPULSED WITH MYSELF
Im interested in your timelines here. Since I too believe mine was drug induced, but I was taking the drugs as prescribed and never abused them. I was taking stimulants for my ADHD and always took the prescribed dose, or less, but I feel like theres a correlation between the timeline of my medication and this skin issue. I have since stopped taking my medication, and my skin issue has gotten better, but I have also tried SOOOOO many things and I dont know the progression is a positive result of something Im doing or from stopping taking the medication. I have reached out to multiple people who have posted about having this same skin issue and many of them also do take adhd stimulants or other drugs. You said you took oxy for 10 years? Did you always have these sores in that time? And has stopping given you any Improvement?
@25years I have normal fasting glucose and normal A1C. At first glance, that looks like it's not Diabetes. It wasn't until I had low insulin, low c-peptide, low Pro-insulin, and high proinsulin/insulin ratio (and high Free fatty acids and high Betahydroxybuterate) that I was afforded an OGTT test. That's when my blood sugar spiked to over 400, final result after 2 hours being in Diabetes range. Part of the issue, I've learned through wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), is that I can go hypo often, sometimes even the entire night. A1C is an average of blood glucose over 3 months. If you go to 300 on french fries, a quick spike up with a quick spike back down to under 70, and then you stay there - your average will not illustrate a clear picture of what is happening. That is why I suggest getting a CGM. You can purchase yourself.
@finerfeedback I don't know - but I will attempt. I'm just trying to help others. Going Hypo can be equally as bad as going hyperglycemic. The extreme spikes that I was seeing on my Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) - I believe those are very bad. This is why I suggest getting a CGM - just to see what's happening. Fruit, honey, all of that can cause a very quick spike and a very quick drop in me. I did go off Valacyclovir as I was prescribed medication to help increase my insulin. The med has been helping me feel better. I've struggled with energy. It's helping normalize my blood sugar (even though I don't present like type 1 or type 2). No new skin spots as of yet, and it's been 6 weeks. Maybe, it is increasing insulin that helps. Diet of course, but diet alone will never increase insulin. There is an amino acid you can get that can help - but don't take that blindly. Get your own data first. Get a CGM, just to see - and then let me know what you see. I would so appreciate that.
@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!
It hasn't been found in biopsies for 45 years. Why are you surprised at that Biopsy result? That's the issue - biopsies do not find the culprit. That's why looking into something more inherent seems like the plausible course.
@prayingforanswers I looked like that as well. Those white things inside the wounds - those *uckers caused me so many issues for a decade. Sending you strength and hope. You are not alone.
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.
This was my forehead many years ago. I've actually had 2 scar removal surgeries to help with the scarring on my face. Doctors will blame you, and you'll be very susceptible to that if you also blame yourself. Don't fall for their judgement. It's so wrong. You pick at it because it itches, because there is what appears to be foreign shit in there, because it never heals. You give that to anyone - I guarantee you, they will pick at it. I believe it's something like 89% of the population pops their zits - so be gentle with yourself.
@mizweirdo NEVER EVER mention that you think it's a parasite to a doctor. That is the quickest way to "Delusional Parasitosis". That's what many people with this illness get put on their medical records. You do not want this. Research that, and save yourself.
@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.
This! Thank you FinerFeedback! Great advice!!
Just a update.... In the last couple months I have had a tube down my throat with a camera, a colonoscopy, a breath test, and numerous blood test. Still no answer!? I am finally going to a auto immune disease doctor, I can't wait! They can run way more test and labs on me! One thing is for certain, I look and feel better from this time last year, this has been over a 25 year road- I still have work to do! It all started with this athletic tape, then parasite cleanse, and parasite cleanse again and again. Whatever it is - is most definitely coming out! A suggestion for everyone, tie your hair up in a bun- take a hot 2 hour bath with a half gallon of apple cider vinegar. It stinks! But the shit that comes out of my body is science fiction! I will keep everyone updated on future test. We are going to figure this out!
@25years I have normal fasting glucose and normal A1C. At first glance, that looks like it's not Diabetes. It wasn't until I had low insulin, low c-peptide, low Pro-insulin, and high proinsulin/insulin ratio (and high Free fatty acids and high Betahydroxybuterate) that I was afforded an OGTT test. That's when my blood sugar spiked to over 400, final result after 2 hours being in Diabetes range. Part of the issue, I've learned through wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), is that I can go hypo often, sometimes even the entire night. A1C is an average of blood glucose over 3 months. If you go to 300 on french fries, a quick spike up with a quick spike back down to under 70, and then you stay there - your average will not illustrate a clear picture of what is happening. That is why I suggest getting a CGM. You can purchase yourself.
See if the doctor will do a hydrogen breathe test on you. Mine just came up positive for bacterial overgrowth in small intestines. Definitely read about it! This test shows sugar levels etc. I will be on doxycycline for 10 days, twice a day. I'm also going to a auto immune disease doctor soon to run more test
Hi, iv been through this twice now where iv had to hide away as much as possible and both times exceeding 12 months, my partner has also. We both have tried everything from loads of different creams and medications even the home remedies, as i stuff you normally find under the sink or the laundry and garage. We had some luck with antifungal but was never %100 only keeping it at bay, as if it built up a tolerance. So here is my good news, while shopping on alibaba, felt like a pop up add writing that. Buyer beware my addiction to it and aliexpress were on par with picking but leave no scar even maybe given me breaks from the mirror. Anyway, something came up randomly so I started searching and ill be dammed you can get just about anything you want extremely cheap. So I came across a product called sulfur ointment I a small yellow tub I ordered 1 tub of that and another cream that's unrelated. Im in Australia and the 2 creams plus delivery from China came to a whopping $7.80. I kid you not applying 3 times a day i noticed the difference befor the second application by 48hrs it was nearly ready to fall of, by end of day 3 it was gone. A few small bit and blemishes but I defence it/they had been there for a fair amount of time the worst one 8mths on my chin. Concedering that to get there in 3 days was like a miracle. At the same time my partners sores disappeared the same as mine. We are now free again and not scared of bumping into people nor debate who looks worse that day to decide who gets shopping, no sh@t we resorted getting shopping delivered or click and collect. We got it on alibaba and is on aliexpress but there shipping was more and had to spend $15 to get free shipping which is still nothing for results. On alibaba some require buying large quantities but look for ones that say min1. I posted this because I was searching so hard for a solution and if anyone had results like we have, I woukd of wanted them to let everyone know.
Im no doctor in anyway and this may not work for you so take whatever precautions you need. Ill add a picture of product and you csn use your phone to read instructions and also translates it, that was through Google. I really hope this helps. Just to clarify we were suffering with all the same as the picture that are on first few pages and other forms. Thanks
It's so validating to see people who have had the exact same experience. For me, this started almost immediately after receiving an intramuscular steroid injection to treat potential seborrheic dermatitis or psoriatic arthritis or sebopsoriasis on my scalp, inner ears, behind my ears, eyebrow, and nasolabial folds.
For that condition (which none of the 5 dermatologists I've seen will commit to one diagnosis), I've tried so many things for probably 3-4 years. Steroids, antifungals both topical and oral, accutane, anti-inflammatories.
I did a round of clobetasol to clear up my extreme dandruff and inner ear scaling, started vtama, an anti-inflammatory, and got the steroid injection. A day or two later, I got the worst breakout of my life, but no normal acne. I thought it was a cystic or hormonal breakout. Nothing came to a head, there were tiny and large hard nodules. I got a ton of milia. The back of my ears got a ton of these tiny hard pimples, but worst of all were these giant cyst-like raised lumps on my face, not anywhere I was having issues before either. They wouldn't respond to anything, any of the medications above, not urea face cream, not drawing salves, not retinoids, differin. Nothing. Several became less raised but have all left scaring and bumps, but three in particular won't heal, and are exactly like others are describing. Open wounds, raised, itchy, and with dozens of white, elastic plugs that adhere when trying to be tweased, and bleed a bit when extracting. I've tried keeping them hydrated, using hydrocolloid bandages to keep them clean and moist to support healing. One in particular is just constantly refilling with these plugs, so so many of them. Like maybe less than a dime-sized blemish with dozens of these little tubes. It seems like more plugs than there are pores in that area, like they're forming anywhere in the skin, and not related to hair follicles or oil glands and pores.
And now, everything is extremely itchy all the time. I've tried using ketoconazole cream as some people are saying the itchiness indicates fungal infection. I'm just at my wit's end. The last derm I saw barely spent 5 minutes talking to me, didn't take a close look at them, cut me off, and said, this type of acne need doxycycline, and left it at that. So now I'm about halfway through that with no change. I'm 37 and this is the worst my skin has ever looked or felt. I basically don't go outside during the day anymore, it's so embarrassing.
Hello everyone,
This is my first time writing here. Ill be sharing this post in the two forums Ive found. This is my personal experience.
After reading your stories, I want to highlight something important: individuality. Even though we probably share the same condition, the symptoms and the way these plugs show up can be slightly different for each person.
For example, Ive read that many people experience them all over the body. In my case, they only appeared on my face for six years, and just recently one tried to come out on my right ankle, but it didnt evolve. The last ones on my face are now drying upthanks to God and to all the changes Ive made.
I know this condition could take pages and pages to explain, but I want to summarize what has been most important for me: how I describe it, what made it worse, and what made it better.
How I describe it
Ive learned that this condition, like many illnesses, is multifactorial. It develops when several factors coincide and create the perfect environment for opportunistic organisms to grow: infections, bacteria, parasites, fungi, biofilms, etc. In some cases, there may be demodex, fungal infection, mold, or internal parasites or maybe not. Thats why some treatments work for a while and then stop working: we need to address it as a whole (mind, skin, stomach, intestine, nervous system).
- The mind: the body often expresses what we havent released emotionally. For me, this has meant working on self-love, self-worth, forgiveness, and letting go of resentment. When emotions heal, the body responds too.
- The skin: I used nystatin, miconazole, tree tea compresses, ivermectin paste, and even MediHoney. They didnt always work, but at times they helped extract those white fibers (which seem like fibrin). I realized that even though creams helped, it was necessary to remove them manually. I dont consider it picking, because I dont do it impulsively, but out of necessity. Still, doctors interpret it as picking, since this condition is unknown to them.
The first time, I injured myself badly trying to reach the root and ended up with three hypertrophic scars. With the last three sores, Ive been more patient: I only remove what is visible on the surface. The healing has been slower, but after eight months the sores are flatter. I discovered that propolis dries them out and brings the dead skin to the surface. I also take it orally, as recommended by Medical Medium in the Shock Therapies.
I also prepare chamomile, tree tea, and propolis infusions (not too hot) and then apply cold compresses.
And this is how I describe what happens with the skin: what forms in these sores is not real skin, but what I call false skin. Healthy skin is completely differentno matter how much you scratch it, it wont break because its firm and resistant.
The affected skin, however, weakens because of whatever is underneath (organisms, disordered fibrin, etc.) and starts forming a layer that looks strong but isnt. It sinks in easily, lifts off like gelatin, and even though it seems to cover, it doesnt protect. Its as if the body produces fibrin abnormally: strong enough to feel tough, but not strong enough to behave like real skin. Thats why it eventually needs to be removedbecause it isnt true skin.
Doctors often call this fibrin caused by picking, but we know it shows up even without touching it. And thats the frustrating part: if I go to the doctor with false skin, they tell me not to touch it; if I go with open skin, they tell me I caused it myself. And as someone in the forum once said: if you mention parasites, theyll think youre crazy; the most you can say is demodex, and even then, theyll deny it.
- The stomach: it must be acidic to kill bacteria and parasites during digestion before they reach the intestine.
- The intestine: I believe this is the most important part. My blood lab and many others like tyroids tests came out fine, but I suspect I might have bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), dysbiosis, or leaky gut. My lifestyle and diet for many years made this very possible. so I'will be seeing a GI doctor soon to these testing
- The nervous system: its directly connected to the skin. Stress, pain, and emotions affect it, and the skin reacts immediately. Learning to calm my nervous system has been essential.
What made it worse
- Covid, measles (i got both)
- Doxycycline: the first time I took it for one month, stopped, and had a massive cystic acne-like breakout. The second time, after three months, I caught a virus and ended up with an even worse breakout.
- Oral cortisone: it suppresses the immune system and allows other organisms to grow.
- Gluten and ultra-processed foods (pizza, donuts).
- Alcohol.
- Seeds.
- More than one hour of sun exposure.
- Living in a mold-contaminated house (very important trigger).
- Taking too many supplements at once (without order, they didnt work well in combination).
What made it better
Vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- B Complex
- Folate
- BioQuercetin
- Iodine
- Zinc with selenium
- Magnesium
Amino acids and related compounds:
- L-glutamine
- Arginine
- Lysine (occasionally)
- Choline with inositol
- MSM
Immune / antiviral / antibacterial support:
- Lactoferrin
- Monolaurin (Palmara Health)
- Andrographis (Natural Cure Labs)
- Uri Alive (Holistic Health Labs)
- Propolis
- Goldenseal
- Advanced Turmeric (Mercola)
- Ginger powder
Enzymes:
- Serrapeptase
- Lumbrokinase
- Digestive enzymes and Betaine HCL
Other supplements:
- Methylene Blue (3x per week)
- Zeolite
- Spirulina
- Beef liver capsules
- Fermented broccoli capsules
- Probiotics and prebiotics
Herbal tinctures and blends:
- Wormwood + walnut
- Poke root and burdock
Books that helped me
- Medical Medium: Brain Saver Protocols
- Louise Hay: You Can Heal Your Life
- if you speak Spanish you can look Dr. Carlos Jaramillo in YouTube, he has helped me a Lot too in how our bodies health works.
Final thoughts
We need to eat right, protein, fiber, and good fats. The Right protein intake amount depending on our body weight, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of our skin, as well as healing and strengthening our immune System. A strong immune System is our best friend in this process. Please don't stop eating, or fasting for many days, that will weaken your immune System too
Thank you allyour stories have inspired and supported me on this journey. Thats why I also wanted to share my own experience.
I am a full-time caregiver for my mom, which has been both a blessing and a challenge. I know many of you have to work or go out, and I deeply admire you. This situation does not define us. We are brave and beautiful, and Im sure we will get better if we keep taking small steps.
If anyone has questions, Im here and willing to listen.
@25years HI, WHAT I KNOW ABOUT FEELING CRAVINGS THINGS THAT ARE NOT FOOD, LIKE WHAT YOU MENTION , ARE LINKED TO PARASITES, YOU SHOULD GET TEST FOR THAT, OR START USING A SAFE PROTOCOL FOR PARASITES
@cosmoskinanswer Thank you for your thoughtful write-up. I resonate with a lot of what you wrote. My "sores" started on my neck and after a year+ appeared on my face, but never below the neck. The way you & many other people have described this condition is very accurate - the "false" skin & necessity to pick out these "plugs" in order for the skin to heal. I have also tried a lot of the things you have listed - parasite cleanse, candida cleanse, etc. I am mind boggled I/we still can't seem to figure out what exactly is causing these "sores". When my first "sore" appeared I was in the best shape of my life physically, my diet was clean, no alcohol/drugs. I was under an immense amount of psychological stress though. My latest "sores" (which are now at the healing stage) popped up seemingly out of nowhere. I wrote in one of my prior posts that I had been spending a lot of time in the sun (sweating) & the next morning I woke up with 2 new sores on my face (initially look like pimples) - which is interesting because you mention that you noticed prolonged sun exposure as a trigger. How did you reach this conclusion? I think I'm going to try to be much more rigorous when it comes to diet/supplementation because I cannot handle another "outbreak" like the one I just had. I'm also going to do another round of Wormwood, Black Walnut, & Clove. Could you please specify which brand of (1) methylene blue, (2) beef liver capsules, and (3) probiotics and prebiotics you are using? Where do you purchase your propolis? I appreciate it!
Thank you for your post - you've inspired me to go back to working more diligently on the overall picture vs. just trying to treat these things as they pop up.
Is it that you can't get a doctor to test you for anything? I would understand that. If you could get a doc to order tests for any of the below, that would really help progress: Central nervous system symptoms, cardiac symptoms, endocrine dysfunction (hyperparathyroidism, adrenocortical hypofunction, Hashimotos thyroiditis, hypercalcemia, elevated fasting insulin levels, and parathyroid adenomas), a high rate of autoimmune disease, and low core body temperature were commonly encountered in their cohort. Laboratory evidence of abnormalities that were commonly encountered included anemia, leukopenia, high monocyte count, low natural-killer cells, elevated serum calcium, elevated globulin levels, and elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF, IFN). Skin abnormalities included excoriations, angiomas, and filament/granule production. The need for a credible MD case definition was emphasized.Citation81 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/CCID.S152343#d1e1787
Give data, give blood test results for the above.
Interestingly, I was diagnosed with Central hypothyroidism with no Pituitary Adenoma (tumor - the cause in 96% of cases), not Hashimoto's. I also have low insulin, not elevated insulin. If anyone out there is capable of buying their own Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), please show up. Please have a voice. The CGM does not hurt at all to put it in, oddly enough.
I'm now 11 years in. I believe things change over time. I also have low Natural Killer Cells (Immune - numbers and function - 2 different blood tests), High Calcium, elevated inflammatory markers (IL-1B, IL-10), nerve issues, low core body temp (though better with Thyroid treatment - which Levothyroxine failed to correct, had low Iodine (in the US!), and Iodine has corrected my Thyroid issues). I had many other off tests - I am happy to share all of those if there is a soul out there that wants some testing. You can order your own tests, and get the blood drawn at a grocery store in the US.
Hey all,
Just wanted to provide an update:
I'm on my 6th dermatologist, and she agreed to do a bunch of testing, thank god. Out of all the derms I've been to, she's the first one to do this which I think is absolutely wild. We did blood work, a surface swab, and a biopsy of one of the sites.
The blood work came back normal; the swab came back with staph (which is kind of what I expected, seeing as how I am unfortunately a picker), and after the biopsy results came in, she gave me a tentative diagnosis of "prurigo nodularis". I look it up, and I'm not entirely convinced that this is the affliction I'm experiencing because all the descriptions and images didn't seem to match up. However, she prescribed both oral and topical antibiotics to take care of the infection first, and then once it's under control I go back for a follow up (next week) and see where we're at.
The antibiotics seem to be helping a bit; the sores have largely settled down, and I think maybe the Accutane is also helping with that (although it's wreaking havoc on the skin that IS healthy, particularly around my lips and fingernails which is unfortunate but normal for this medication). I do still have 2 or 3 spots that don't seem to be responding well to the medication though - one spot in particular (right smack in the middle of my forehead 🙄) is still producing a large cluster of these white plugs fairly regularly. I'll be pointing this out to her when I see her next week, and see what she says.
I'll post another update after my appointment.👍
@mizweirdo can you share what oral and topical Cream they prescribe you?