ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

Mitabtrfly Posted: Aug 25, 2006 11:53 AM

ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

Can anyone give some input on this? I've been breaking out lately and went to my Dermatologist and he advised me that I would have to go to see another Derm who specializes in whitehead extractions (sorry that sounds so gross) since his eyes are old. He gave me some topical creams to use...that didn't do a darn thing. I made another appointment to go back to my Derm..and wanted to get input before I go back. Sine he mentioned I needed extractions, I opted for a facial because I'm not crazy about having someone use a lancer to prick open the 'heads'. Anywho...after the facial I had a glycolic peel done and although it burned like H*LL my face seemed to be improving. I've been using a glycolic wash, and cream and using Sunblock and have noticed 3 weeks later that the heads are back along with a few other buddies that decided to make an appearance on my face. I want to be put on medication because honestly I do not want to chance having another breakout like this one, and do not want to have zits on my wedding day. I know facials tend to bring all of the impurities to surface..but am worried if I go for another facial I'll have another outbreak and it will be too close to the wedding. Does anyone have any history with acne meds and can you give me some names? Thank you so much!!

amyandbill Posted: Aug 25, 2006 12:00 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

I have been using proactive and it has helped my skin a lot. I still break out every now and again but my skin has definitely improved. They just did a study on acutane that could link the drug to birth defects. I know it is frustrating. When I was in high school I went to a derm named Dr. Flaumenbaum...in new hyde park...everyone in her office is great.

Mitabtrfly Posted: Aug 25, 2006 12:03 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

Posted by amyandbill

I have been using proactive and it has helped my skin a lot. I still break out every now and again but my skin has definitely improved. They just did a study on acutane that could link the drug to birth defects. I know it is frustrating. When I was in high school I went to a derm named Dr. Flaumenbaum...in new hyde park...everyone in her office is great.

I forgot to add, I tried, Proactive and Murad..and they didn't work. Proactive burned my face and Murad although it didn't burn..I didn't see an improvement.

I live in the Bronx. I'm hoping I can be given some type of antibiotic for this. I read up on Accutane and am afraid to use it.

SOON TO BE MRS. B Posted: Aug 25, 2006 12:13 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

From what I know, accutane is usually prescribed for more cystic acne. From your post, it seems you have more of whiteheads? If so, you may want to see another dermatologist and ask about going on something like minocycline. Accutane is also usually a last resort after your dermatologist has tried several other antibiotics or treatment and not seen improvement.

Mitabtrfly Posted: Aug 25, 2006 12:30 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

Posted by SOON TO BE MRS. B

From what I know, accutane is usually prescribed for more cystic acne. From your post, it seems you have more of whiteheads? If so, you may want to see another dermatologist and ask about going on something like minocycline. Accutane is also usually a last resort after your dermatologist has tried several other antibiotics or treatment and not seen improvement.

I was told I had the 'beginning' of cystic acne, but I do have whiteheads along my chin. Oh no...well I guess all I can do is wait right?

autumn Posted: Aug 25, 2006 12:53 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

you have FM

Thumballina Posted: Aug 25, 2006 01:21 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

I have always had problems with my skin...I've been on every topical medicine out there and nothing work - I was also on Accutane - which cleared everything up within two months BUT a year and a half later I started breaking out again WORST. I didn't want to go back on it because of all the side effects - I was living in a 'dark' place the six months I was on it...it really messes with your emotions...anyway - I went on birthcontrol when I was 23 and my skin has been clear ever since...in fact I went off my bc a few months ago for personal reasons and I've noticed that I'm starting to break out here and there - so I'm going back on until my wedding...just a suggestion...good luck

Mitabtrfly Posted: Aug 25, 2006 02:11 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

Posted by Thumballina

I have always had problems with my skin...I've been on every topical medicine out there and nothing work - I was also on Accutane - which cleared everything up within two months BUT a year and a half later I started breaking out again WORST. I didn't want to go back on it because of all the side effects - I was living in a 'dark' place the six months I was on it...it really messes with your emotions...anyway - I went on birthcontrol when I was 23 and my skin has been clear ever since...in fact I went off my bc a few months ago for personal reasons and I've noticed that I'm starting to break out here and there - so I'm going back on until my wedding...just a suggestion...good luck

I may have to go back on BC. I noticed I was still breaking out while on it . I use the Nuvo Ring...and my MD told me it was a low dose..maybe I need some powerful stuff LOL!

adevenney Posted: Aug 25, 2006 05:17 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

I have had skin problems since I was a little girl. I tried absolutely everything on the market including a few doctors. I finally went to this doctor in Smithtown Dr. Solomen and he did put me on Accutane. I have been on it on and off for about 3 years. Yes there are risks but you get bloodwork every month. This was the only thing that worked for me. You start out taking it every day then toward the end you take it once or twice a week which is what I do. I plan to go off this winter but it really does work. You CAN'T get pregnant that is the only major side effect is that it can cause major birth defects. I had cystic acne also... FM for any info on this....

Meaghan729 Posted: Aug 25, 2006 05:23 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

I have used Minocyclene in the past...my skin sounded like how you are describing yours. i had big whiteheads along my chin.

it worked wonders - just one cycle of meds and my skin cleared up - i use two topicals now, but my skin is nice and clear.

amyandbill Posted: Aug 25, 2006 05:57 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

I was allergic to Minocin, broke out in hives with a high fever so I'm not sure how that actually works. I wish I knew of a dermatologist in your area...I forgot about the birth control thing. I am on Ortho Lo and that is probably helping out my skin a little too. Supposedly that one and Yasmin help reduce acne...Much luck...I know how frustrating it is!

chapel06 Posted: Aug 25, 2006 06:37 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

Have you started touching your face a lot recently? I know that sounds weird, but when I am at my desk I lean my head against my hand and I get breakouts in the chin/jaw region from that. The makeup artist for the wedding said that I needed to stop touching my face, but I do it without even realizing it.

Tria1110 Posted: Aug 25, 2006 07:00 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

I tried Mino - didn't work at all. After trying absolutely everything & anything... I use AHAVA products for oily skin, get beta peels about once a month & I stay away from dairy (for some reason it makes me break out).

Good luck!

petunia77 Posted: Aug 26, 2006 03:03 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

usually accutane is only used after other things have been tried. you should maybe see another dermatologist. i have had a lot of luck with birth control pills and a foam called evoclin, all prescribed by a derm. there were a few threads on here this summer with suggestions for good dermatologists.

FinallyMrsP Posted: Aug 27, 2006 03:37 PM

Re: ACNE MEDICATION QUESTIONS..PLEASE HELP.

A FEW YEARS AGO I HAD BAD BREAKOUTS OUT OF NO WHERE. SOMEONE TOLD ME ABOUT CLARINS COSMETIC. THEY HAVE MAKEUP COUNTERS AT ALL MAJOR DEPARTMENT STORES. I WENT THERE AND HAD A (COMPLEMENTARY) FACIAL AND THEY FIGURED OUT WHAT TYPE OF SKIN I HAVE (COMBINATION) AND GAVE ME THE CORRECT PRODUCTS TO USE. I HAVE A FACE WASH, AN ASTINGENT, AND A MOISTURIZER. I DO ALL THREE IN THE MORNING WHEN I WAKE UP AND BEFORE I GO TO BED. SINCE THE PRODUCTS ARE ALL NATURAL THEY WORK REALLY WELL!!! HAVEN'T HAD A BREAKOUT SINCE! I DON'T USE THE MAKEUP THOUGHT...NO NEED.