yeah i really think that the switching of the manufacturer of spiro was like starting over and then switching back is like starting once again. you are going to have to give your skin a few months to adjust but for now i would get back on antibiotics for a bit to help with the bad breakout you are going through right now.
sorry you cant afford going to an esthetician but if you ever get some cash check groupon or living social they always have deals. i think the last facial with extractions i had was about $60. those sites might offer them for about half price. also you can buy peels at ulta and sephora that are great for your skin. i am a huge glycolic acid fan it really helps keep those pores clear but if you cant afford that you can get the AHA from this site and try that out. its not super expensive or anything and i think it will really work for you. i have sensitive skin as well so when i use AHA these days (i've had laser lately) i have to use it like every other day but even a few times a week would probably help you out. i would skip the aquaphor that is a known pore clogger.
yeah its tough for you with the derm because you have tried so many things so really what is left ya know? i do believe this is all due to the switching of spiro brands so get the antibiotic for a bit, switch up your skincare routine and try to not stress so much. i know the stress part is hard but for myself working out really helps with the anxiety and that general feeling of doom. what else do you like to do in your spare time? try to throw yourself into something that takes your mind off your skin a bit and whatever you do dont carry a mirror around with you in your purse.
stay strong and you can message me anytime. hugs!
Hi Kirks..
Sorry to hear you're not doing well. You're not the only one, my skin is crap too. I'm feeling just like you..sad and discouraged. You would think after the time we have put in, we would see some kind of improvement. Its terrifying me that spiro isn't going to work..I have no more options.
I wish I had some encouraging words..I'm sorry I don't. Just know you are not alone and if you ever need to talk, I'm here...
Hey Tracy,
I really don't want to go back on antibiotics. I have been on them so often, I do not want my body building up a resistance to them. I started using an apricot scrub every few days with salicylic acid, which I hope helps. I'll have to look for some of those deals! I think it could be helpful for my blackhead problem on my nose. I don't think it could do much for the cystic jawline/neck stuff though. But I could definitely do that for $60, so thank you for that advice!! There isn't a sephora near me, but there is an Ulta. What should I ask for for the blackhead problem and oily skin, a certain peel?
It is difficult for me to concentrate on much other than my skin. I hate not feeing balanced and my body being out-of-whack. It drives me nuts. I'm coming off of an injury too, so I hope to start working out soon. Shadylee, I feel you--I do have hope that things will get better! It just sucks how much patience it is gonna take. Be aware of your Spiro manufacturer. I definitely think that plays a role. I am here for you as well!!
i know what you mean about the resistance but i do think when times are hard and the skin is a mess a short course can really help. the scrub with salicylic acid should help a bit too. heck yeah i see so many deals on groupon and living social daily its great news! just make sure to do your research first so you pick a good place. you are very welcome for the advice and yeah you can ask the people there at ulta they should be able to help you. i did look on their site and noticed they dont offer too many peels but sephora does and you can order online.
[Edited link out]
yeah i know how you feel its like your skin consumes your life which is just so awful and after a while it just really wears you out. oh no i sure hope you heal up fast from your injury too! geesh you got a lot going on at once. please keep me updated on things and take care of yourself.
Looking back at old photos and how my face looks now, my acne looks exactly the same (which is bad, so very bad). But what is so weird, is that each spot is in the same identical place. The cystic marks I'm dealing with on my left neck and jawline, along with the tiny pimples. The same spot that appears over and over again on my chin. The cheek/temple area on my let side. The ear/jawline area on my right (not as severe as left). The tiny forehead bumps. Nose blackheads.
I have no idea why history is literally repeating itself on my face. I cannot think of anything that has changed other than that qualitiest manufacturer, but I do not know why things are still getting worse?? I am a healthy person, I wash my pillowsheets regularly and everything. UGH. What is going on?!?!
Alright, saw a new derm. It is official, I seriously think all dermatologists must go through some sort of training on how to be the rudest doctors. They are all horrible!! Ugh, I am so frustrated. I didn't get shots from her because she kept on talking about the huge risk of scarring while her hand was shaking!!! Uhh, keep that needle far from me. Then she told me I needed accutane. No, so quick to jump to that! It didn't work for me, and it will not work for these hormonal issues.
What I'm deciding to do--I have a prescription for keflex, so I have begun taking that. I am going to get my derm (one that I actually think can be helpful) to prescribe me birth control because I heard that signicantly helps these hormonal issues. What are the best ones out here for hormonal acne (jaw/neck/cheek)?
I am also going to ask her for an endocrinologist referral. I know my body so well, and I know something is not right. Acne like this just does not come out of nowhere. Along with other issues (increased perspiration, hair growth, etc.) I just feel like my body is out-of-whack. I want someone who specfically specializes in these things to help figure out just what is going on because I am beyond frustrated and discouraged. I want my skin to be clear. I am a healthy person, so it has to be something on the inside. Please, I just want clear skin!!
Woke up crying.
Next month will be a year on spiro. My skin is worse than ever.
What if my acne never goes away? I know people say it is genetics. My parents and siblings never had any. The only relative in my family that ever had acne was my mom's sister (deceased aunt). Spiro hasn't worked. I am scared of birth control because what if that doesn't help either?
Nothing has helped. My skin is all red and potmarked, cysts (painful and sometimes bleeding ones) and pimples all along my jawline and neck. Forehead, nose=blackheads, temples cysts and pimples. Chin red marks. Now my cheeks are developing cysts. Make-up does not cover this up.
This is hell. Almost a year later and things are worse than ever, and I am without hope and not knowing what to do.
quick update:
worse than ever.
Four CONSECUTIVE cysts forming a line on my right chin. Now my forehead is breaking out in pimples, with a cyst forming along my left eyebrow. Cysts all over my neck and jawline on the left side (counted at least nine)...cheek/temple area is red and marked. Blackheads are even more noticeable on my nose. Still have a pimple above my mouth/below my nose and then another one right above my nose in between my eyes.
So basically literally a mark on every part of my face and neck. This is worse than I have ever been. Progressively have gotten worse, just don't know what to do.
I was looking back at photos from March 10 up until now that I have taken of my skin. It is now a complete cystic breakout. I don't know what triggered this and why/how it started, and why it has not gotten better. Frustrated.
Hey Kirks,
Kind of crazy but Ive been following your log over this year and I am sorry you are still struggling. I know its tough as Ive been dealing with dreaded acne also. Honestly give the spiro up if a year in and your varied manufacturers and doses I think its just not working. I know I suggested to you a while back to get on birth control (the one that worked for you) and I think this is your best bet. And if your not opposed to Accutane just do it honest. I know personally what living with acne does to a human and for me its worth it. Good luck to you and Ill keep following sending you lots of love!
Hey Krissy, thanks for message! Idk about accutane. I don't think I could go through that again, way too many side effects. I'm waiting to see on spiro and just a healthier lifestyle. I don't think accutane will work on any hormonal stuff anyways. I see a gyno next week, so hopefully I can get some info on her with possibly doing BCP or see if an upped dosage is what I need.
Hello I've been reading your entries and I do sympathize with you. I'm 33 yrs old and have had acne since I was 14. I have used almost every acne prescribed out there. Now I will say this I took spiro 4 years ago and it did clear my skin along with differin gel. However, it gave me 5 o'clock shadow on my upper lip. Minocycline did work but it gave me migraines. Doxycycline was like taking sugar pills. Now my acne really came to head when I was 24 yrs old. My face was COVERED with bumps. To top it off I accidentally scratched my face and left a scar on my cheek. I went back to my derm and she told me it's time for desperate measures. She prescribed me a low dosage of accutane. I was aware of the side effects luckily I only had very chapped lips. I must say that medication was godsent!!! My skin has never been that clear! So I know you said you don't want to take it but just keep in mind.....
Kirks, you need to see an Endocrinologist statand request hormone testing. I wentthrough exactly what you did but my acne was caused by getting off of birth control after being on it for 10 years. Everyone says ur skinwill bounce back after getting off BC after a couple months but minedidn't. It got worse. Reason was BC I have pcos and the BC actually normalized my hormones. After stopping BC and getting major acne everywhere I adjusted my diet and started toeat super clean (no dairy, no gluten, little to no processed foods) and continueto exercise regularly hoping that alone would keep my skin clear.... Nope. This is hormonal, therefore diet will only do so much. Pcos causes emotional dysfunction, strange hair growth, hair texture change, and other symptoms which it sounds like u are already experiencing. What has helped me was actually going back on birth control , using sensitive skin products only (to nurture my irritable and reactive skin) and getting a facial 1-2x a month instead of seeing a rude dermatologist, yes they all suck!!My facialist on the other hand listens to me and helps my skin recover from cysts somuch faster and ends up costing the same as the Derm but I actually feel listened toand hopeful leaving her office. I also second the motion to start yoga or something that forces you to be positive /present (forget about your acne) and stay active BC ur mind can trigger acne just from stress. At this point my acne is still present, although much less concentrated.I'm much happier now that I have a solid regimen and see that my skin is recovering little by little. Pcos causes too much androgen production and until ur hormones are under control spiro won't help. Derm pills and creams didn't work for me but gentle productsand extra virgin coconut oil do for me since I live in a very dry climate. Best of luck!!
Also my facialist used to work in a derm office and explained to me that we get cystsin the exact same spot BC once we get a cyst the pore expands. Once the pore has expanded it is easier to become clogged again. It's a vicious cycle but your local facialist has electronic tools to help shrink those enlarged pores. I didn't believe that it would help but it totally did. Forget the stressful dermatologist office and go treat your self to a relaxing spa session! And like all treatments one facial won't be a magic fix. It has to be a monthly thing and the 1st did cause my skin to purge a tiny bit. Stay positive!
Hi Kirks! I've just been reading through your journey and hate to hear what all you've been dealing with. I'm wondering if you have looked in to what a previous member mentioned about you possibly having PCOS. Google it as well as bio identical progesterone cream (I use one called emerita) and supplements to help with cortisol levels ( I use relora). These can both be purchased off amazon. And you can have your hormone and cortisol levels tested if you would like. I read a couple of books by Dr. John Lee and the symptoms fit me to a T. I decided to just try the supplements without getting my levels tested and have been amazed at the results. Acne can be a viscous cycle but don't give up hope. There is happiness beyond acne. Good luck and well wishes
hey kirks im so sorry about the crappy year with spiro. i definitely get how horrible it is in the beginning. :((( for me i had three months of shit before my dosage was upped from 100mg to 150mg and then i saw improvements almost immediately. i know u upped your dosage too but how much are u taking right now? everyone has a different threshold for spiro so if your amount isnt hitting the threshold then it doesnt matter how long u take it, it wont work....
Wow oh wow oh wow!!!
What a rollercoaster life is! I had to come back and update because the support here is AMAZING!! And hopefully if you're reading this, it can help you as well.
First--I still get some flare ups here and there. Mostly just when I PMS right before my period (which is regular). Nothing that makes me want to stay hidden anymore. I am still on Spiro but dropped down to 100mg, and soon to be 50mg.
Second--my doc put me on Loryna (generic form of Yaz). I was SUPER hesitant, but I have been having a lot of other health issues, that I think/believe that my acne was telling me.
Third--POSITIVITY and STRESS MANAGEMENT. Oh goodness. This really has been the most important change in my life. Not being so negative about how I look/see myself, and coping with stress in healthy ways. I still have my bad days and break downs. But it has gotten so much better, and I think that is one of the biggest contributions to a clear complexion (that and LOTS of water).
So right now I am on the journey to discover what my body is telling me. I recently had bloodwork showing my platelet count was significantly low (not from hep or HIV or anemia). I am going to see an internal medicine specialist as it could be related to Lupus or my thyroid. I am not stressing too much about it because I am doing all I can right now to take care of me, and that is in my control.
So my friends here--please take care of yourself and show yourself and your skin love!!! You are all wonderful and beautiful, and I hope 2017 helps us all find what we are looking for.
Kirks, so happy to hear that things are looking up. Our mental health will trump our skin worries for sure and I'm glad that you are finally seeing some positive changes. Health issues suck! i'm dealing with some my self but positivity and self love can go a long way in helping us move forward and stay positive. Definitely keep checking in as your struggles can serve to give some of us hope.
All the best for 2017