Severe Acne Help :(

[Powerlift12]

Hi,

Not sure if this has already been discussed. I suffer from sever acne, at this point I am literally almost covered from head to toe.

Not only is it unappealing but it's extremely painful. I have always had mild acne but since being on aas it has progressively gotten worse. I expected an increase but not this much.

I have tried doxycycline which did nothing for it. I've also tried multiple washes but nothing is strong enough. I'd like to avoid accutane due to the reviews I've heard but if It will be the only way to clear it, then so be it.

My quality of life has been decreasing over a simple skin problem. Embarrassed to even leave the house so I stay inside whenever I can.

Stopping aas is not an option. I don't expect it to disappear but a slight improvement would be life changing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated ladies.

 

[Evom1]

Talk to your dermatologist about accutane. 6 months on that should clear you up

How long did you run the doxy for? I did not see an improvement until 6 months in. But the issues it caused with killing good gut bacteria wasn't worth it

 

[Powerlift12]

Oh wow, 6 months? My doctor only prescribed me 4 weeks worth. Did absolutely nothing, maybe that's why..

It seems like accutane is the way to go. Especially in the long run.

Thank you for your input.

 

[Evom1]

Oh wow, 6 months? My doctor only prescribed me 4 weeks worth. Did absolutely nothing, maybe that's why..

It seems like accutane is the way to go. Especially in the long run.

Thank you for your input.

Oh yeah even accutane won't do anything that quickly. It'll take at LEAST three months to see a change. Usually gets worse for a bit and then better

 

[Snapcracklesquat]

Fellow sufferer here, I get it, you don't want to stop your cycle but man it wreaks havoc on those of us already prone to acne (and fair warning, sometimes it gets even WORSE once off your cycle).
Doxy actually stops being effective after a few months, most dermatologists go for a twofold approach of topicals and orals, I've done clindamyacin (topical) along with either Retin A or Azalex (finacea) and wash my face with a super mild soap like Purpose in the morning and at night use a salicylic cleanser like Mario Badescu. I'm still breaking out like a 15 year old but it's under better control and the cysts heal faster.

 

[Powerlift12]

Fellow sufferer here, I get it, you don't want to stop your cycle but man it wreaks havoc on those of us already prone to acne (and fair warning, sometimes it gets even WORSE once off your cycle).
Doxy actually stops being effective after a few months, most dermatologists go for a twofold approach of topicals and orals, I've done clindamyacin (topical) along with either Retin A or Azalex (finacea) and wash my face with a super mild soap like Purpose in the morning and at night use a salicylic cleanser like Mario Badescu. I'm still breaking out like a 15 year old but it's under better control and the cysts heal faster.

When you saw the dermatologist, did you mention your aas use? Just wondering if it would change their approach in any way?

Also, Is the above routine something you do constantly or just on cycle?

Thanks

 

[Snapcracklesquat]

When you saw the dermatologist, did you mention your aas use? Just wondering if it would change their approach in any way?

Also, Is the above routine something you do constantly or just on cycle?

Thanks

My derm doesn't know about my AAS use (my primary does) because it's not going to change treatment in any significant way (they'll just tell you to stop your cycle). I do the prescription/topical stuff actually more after a cycle since that's when my skin goes batshit,during a cycle I just use the salicylic cleanser and make sure I wash my face carefully.

I'd use Accutane as a last resort, it works but the sides can be atrocious, including dry achy joints, which is no bueno for anyone who lifts heavy.