Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT

bellapsyd · Mar 1st, 2008, 12:41 PM

Venting:

I'm 24 and in a medical field (working towards that tilte of "Dr."), around the time I was 21 I started to get BIG, round, red, PAINFUL cysts on my chin! Once one goes, another comes. Last year my doc and I gave up on most meds (my body would respond to an antibiotic for about a month and then it just stopped working. So I was on them all). We tried sulfa meds and found out (the painful way) I was allergic. I refused to do accutane (due to a past history of depression). So as a last ditch effort he put me on Spironolactone. It's a high cholesterol med. It works for some women who have cystic acne on their chin b/c it can be more of a hormonal thing (I am already on the BC, though) than a bacterial. and IT WORKED!

For the first time in forever, I could smile without cringing in pain, my smile wasn't crooked, and I had the confidence to go to the gym (the one place I couldn't wear coverup).

About a month ago I ran out of the Rx and decided to give my body a chance. It had been over a year and half and no breakouts. BAD IDEA. Went back on the meds after 2 weeks. Been back on them for a month. CONSTANT cystic acne on my chin. Won't stop. I even get them injected!

So, although I know it would defy medical physics for the meds to stop working (you don't become "immune" to this as you might build yup a tolerance for antibiotics). I am still worried. And crying. Usually this stuff works pretty rapidly!

The other day I had an elderly woman walk out on me saying "She still has acne. There is no way she is old enough to be a doctor". Blow to the self-esteem! I sent in my supervisor. Didn't feel like arguing, although this was more a testament to the sensitive subject she had come in for I think and just taken out on me, but still.

Anyways. Long rant about adult acne. I'm 24- c'mon STOP BREAKING OUT BODY!

SillyWabbit · Mar 1st, 2008, 12:50 PM

Good for you on becoming a doctor. You can get acne all through your life. Age is just a number. Do you have regular facials? What about cortizone shots? I recommend Obagi products. Changed my life.Skin looks horrible at first but payoff is major. On a side, when you wash your sheets, towels, clothing, use type of laundry detergent with no fragrance for sensitive skin. Use baby detergent when you wash your clothes. See if that helps. Good luck to you.

bellapsyd · Mar 1st, 2008, 02:20 PM

thank you. Never thought about changing detergents!

alexis77 · Mar 1st, 2008, 05:17 PM

I've dealt with painful, cystic acne for over 10 years and like you, had tried everything. I gave in and went on accutane when I was 25, and since that, the past six years my skin has been wonderful. Def try changing detergents, and using mild products so you don't further aggravate your skin. I know how you feel, especially professionally. Good luck and stay focused on your professional goal.

claireZk · Mar 1st, 2008, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by SillyWabbit

Good for you on becoming a doctor. You can get acne all through your life. Age is just a number. Do you have regular facials? What about cortizone shots? I recommend Obagi products. Changed my life.Skin looks horrible at first but payoff is major. On a side, when you wash your sheets, towels, clothing, use type of laundry detergent with no fragrance for sensitive skin. Use baby detergent when you wash your clothes. See if that helps. Good luck to you.

^

This has helped my skin soooo much. I wash all my towels and bedding in hot water with Dreft detergent. I also have to change my pillow cases 2x a week and I never ever re-use towels.

All cortizone does is reduce swelling, but oral antibiotics help me A LOT when I have cystic pimples. Even though the pimples are often caused by hormonal issues, they are the result of an infected pore and antibiotics will clear up the infection pretty quickly. I use Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer with Mario Badescu acne products. It seems to work really well for me

bellapsyd · Mar 1st, 2008, 11:20 PM

Def. will try the products! Antibiotics don't work for me anymore. Over a period of a year and a half I was on so many. My doctor says my body builds up a quick tolerance (which is scary in case I ever really DO need them some day).

Round 1: Bella:0 Body:1

jellybebe · Mar 2nd, 2008, 01:34 AM

I totally feel for you. That woman must have been feeling pretty rotten about something to take it out on you! You are a beautiful, intelligent and caring person and I hope that you won't let this undermine your confidence. My brother is about your age and still gets pretty bad acne on his face. He has also tried every kind of antibiotic and none of them work. How's your diet, exercise and sleep habits? Sometimes a lack of sleep (my brother's issue) can cause a buildup of cortisol, a stress hormone, that may contribute to breakouts. This may sound a bit kooky, but do you have back problems? I was a bit sceptical at first, but this friend of my sister's had acne well into his 30s and it finally cleared up when he went to a chiropractor.

wordpast · Mar 2nd, 2008, 08:20 AM

so you're still on the spiro then? you know that Spiro but is also an anti-androgen (hormone) so your hormones are probably just readjusting to being back on it. I'm sure it will clear you again!!

bellapsyd · Mar 2nd, 2008, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by wordpast

so you're still on the spiro then? you know that Spiro but is also an anti-androgen (hormone) so your hormones are probably just readjusting to being back on it. I'm sure it will clear you again!!

That's EXACTLY what I want to hear :) Hopefully i t adjusts soon! :) Thanks for the support!

oregonfanlisa · Mar 2nd, 2008, 12:23 PM

Have you considered any laser therapy for your condition? I've heard miracle stories about it from my day spa. It cleared up my mild acne that I had all my life until 40 and lasers. I know my mild acne isn't any comparision, but the techs who worked on me would tell me amazing stories of healing with the lasers. Just a suggestion.

bellapsyd · Mar 2nd, 2008, 12:33 PM

i had that on my back years ago and it worked amazingly! Never worked for my chin. Ended up burning my chin so bad it peeled and looked like a terrible sunburn. Was so embarassing (completed it 7 or 8 times)I suppose I should count my blessings that it is only my chin, but still.

nycgirl24 · Mar 2nd, 2008, 06:21 PM

Oh my gosh..I thought I was the only one with this problem! LOL..about a year and a half ago..I suddenly began to develop cystic acne on my chin regularly once a month around "that" time..and it would take literally weeks to disappear after trying to pop it...and the minute it left, another would appear on a different spot on my chin! it was so ridiculously painful, embarrassing, etc. and I thought it was even more strange since I've never gotten them before. this past summer, I went to see my derm about it and she gave me antibiotics to take once a month right before my period and also prescribed two types of acne cream to put on everyday..I think they're called differin and duac. anyway, this helped SO much and really gave me some relief. it didn't make the cystic acne disappear altogether, but I no longer had huge bulges on my chin every month. I guess bc of hormones, a small cyst or two would appear but then disappear after a few days or so. another thing to take into consideration is that I haven't been applying the creams daily, as I was supposed to..I really shouldn't be lazy about this! lol, but maybe you could talk to your doctor about trying this out?? I hope this helps!!

Kansashalo · Apr 28th, 2008, 07:30 AM

I was doing a search on acne and came across this thread.

The only thing that has helped my cystic acne (so I do know your pain - literally!) is by using 100% Tea Tree oil. I take a q-tip and dab it on the spot at the first sign of pain. You know how, typically cystic acne will last for weeks - well if I catch it early enough using the tea tree oil, it may last for a week IF it even ever forms into a full blown cystic pimple.

Just thought I'd share this in case anyone else is suffering.

kalodie1 · Apr 28th, 2008, 07:34 AM

People I know swear by Mario Badescu products...you can go on their website. They are in NYC for many years. They have something called Buffering Lotion for Cystic acne. My girls and I all use their products...I have been for years.

TheWinglessBird · Apr 28th, 2008, 07:54 AM

It's a shame you haven't & wont try the accutane, because it's just so amazing how fast this pill works & the difference it makes. I suffer from depression / anxiety & anorexia / ED but my skin was bringing me down so much, I'd do whatever it takes to get rid of it & this pill really has. I highly recommend it for people with really bad acne. You can be sure once taking this pill you'll see the last of it!

Mar 1st, 2008, 12:41 PM	#1
bellapsyd OP <3 Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Los Angeles & Chicago & Memphis Posts: 2,843	Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT Venting: I'm 24 and in a medical field (working towards that tilte of "Dr."), around the time I was 21 I started to get BIG, round, red, PAINFUL cysts on my chin! Once one goes, another comes. Last year my doc and I gave up on most meds (my body would respond to an antibiotic for about a month and then it just stopped working. So I was on them all). We tried sulfa meds and found out (the painful way) I was allergic. I refused to do accutane (due to a past history of depression). So as a last ditch effort he put me on Spironolactone. It's a high cholesterol med. It works for some women who have cystic acne on their chin b/c it can be more of a hormonal thing (I am already on the BC, though) than a bacterial. and IT WORKED! For the first time in forever, I could smile without cringing in pain, my smile wasn't crooked, and I had the confidence to go to the gym (the one place I couldn't wear coverup). About a month ago I ran out of the Rx and decided to give my body a chance. It had been over a year and half and no breakouts. BAD IDEA. Went back on the meds after 2 weeks. Been back on them for a month. CONSTANT cystic acne on my chin. Won't stop. I even get them injected! So, although I know it would defy medical physics for the meds to stop working (you don't become "immune" to this as you might build yup a tolerance for antibiotics). I am still worried. And crying. Usually this stuff works pretty rapidly! The other day I had an elderly woman walk out on me saying "She still has acne. There is no way she is old enough to be a doctor". Blow to the self-esteem! I sent in my supervisor. Didn't feel like arguing, although this was more a testament to the sensitive subject she had come in for I think and just taken out on me, but still. Anyways. Long rant about adult acne. I'm 24- c'mon STOP BREAKING OUT BODY!

Mar 1st, 2008, 12:50 PM	#2
SillyWabbit Account Deactivated Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 700	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT Good for you on becoming a doctor. You can get acne all through your life. Age is just a number. Do you have regular facials? What about cortizone shots? I recommend Obagi products. Changed my life.Skin looks horrible at first but payoff is major. On a side, when you wash your sheets, towels, clothing, use type of laundry detergent with no fragrance for sensitive skin. Use baby detergent when you wash your clothes. See if that helps. Good luck to you.

Mar 1st, 2008, 02:20 PM	#3
bellapsyd OP <3 Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Los Angeles & Chicago & Memphis Posts: 2,843	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT thank you. Never thought about changing detergents!

Mar 1st, 2008, 05:17 PM	#4
alexis77 Adopt a Greyhound! Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,196	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT I've dealt with painful, cystic acne for over 10 years and like you, had tried everything. I gave in and went on accutane when I was 25, and since that, the past six years my skin has been wonderful. Def try changing detergents, and using mild products so you don't further aggravate your skin. I know how you feel, especially professionally. Good luck and stay focused on your professional goal.

Mar 1st, 2008, 11:20 PM	#6
bellapsyd OP <3 Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Los Angeles & Chicago & Memphis Posts: 2,843	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT Def. will try the products! Antibiotics don't work for me anymore. Over a period of a year and a half I was on so many. My doctor says my body builds up a quick tolerance (which is scary in case I ever really DO need them some day). Round 1: Bella:0 Body:1

Mar 2nd, 2008, 01:34 AM	#7
jellybebe loves pink!!! Joined: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 9,037	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT I totally feel for you. That woman must have been feeling pretty rotten about something to take it out on you! You are a beautiful, intelligent and caring person and I hope that you won't let this undermine your confidence. My brother is about your age and still gets pretty bad acne on his face. He has also tried every kind of antibiotic and none of them work. How's your diet, exercise and sleep habits? Sometimes a lack of sleep (my brother's issue) can cause a buildup of cortisol, a stress hormone, that may contribute to breakouts. This may sound a bit kooky, but do you have back problems? I was a bit sceptical at first, but this friend of my sister's had acne well into his 30s and it finally cleared up when he went to a chiropractor.

Mar 2nd, 2008, 08:20 AM	#8
wordpast Member Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Never Never Land Posts: 7,057	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT so you're still on the spiro then? you know that Spiro but is also an anti-androgen (hormone) so your hormones are probably just readjusting to being back on it. I'm sure it will clear you again!!

Mar 2nd, 2008, 12:23 PM	#10
oregonfanlisa Cherokee H Princess Joined: Dec 2006 Location: in my jewelry box Posts: 3,254	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT Have you considered any laser therapy for your condition? I've heard miracle stories about it from my day spa. It cleared up my mild acne that I had all my life until 40 and lasers. I know my mild acne isn't any comparision, but the techs who worked on me would tell me amazing stories of healing with the lasers. Just a suggestion.

Mar 2nd, 2008, 12:33 PM	#11
bellapsyd OP <3 Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Los Angeles & Chicago & Memphis Posts: 2,843	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT i had that on my back years ago and it worked amazingly! Never worked for my chin. Ended up burning my chin so bad it peeled and looked like a terrible sunburn. Was so embarassing (completed it 7 or 8 times)I suppose I should count my blessings that it is only my chin, but still.

Mar 2nd, 2008, 06:21 PM	#12
nycgirl24 Member Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Louboutin land! Posts: 315	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT Oh my gosh..I thought I was the only one with this problem! LOL..about a year and a half ago..I suddenly began to develop cystic acne on my chin regularly once a month around "that" time..and it would take literally weeks to disappear after trying to pop it...and the minute it left, another would appear on a different spot on my chin! it was so ridiculously painful, embarrassing, etc. and I thought it was even more strange since I've never gotten them before. this past summer, I went to see my derm about it and she gave me antibiotics to take once a month right before my period and also prescribed two types of acne cream to put on everyday..I think they're called differin and duac. anyway, this helped SO much and really gave me some relief. it didn't make the cystic acne disappear altogether, but I no longer had huge bulges on my chin every month. I guess bc of hormones, a small cyst or two would appear but then disappear after a few days or so. another thing to take into consideration is that I haven't been applying the creams daily, as I was supposed to..I really shouldn't be lazy about this! lol, but maybe you could talk to your doctor about trying this out?? I hope this helps!!

Apr 28th, 2008, 07:30 AM	#13
Kansashalo flips hair Joined: Sep 2006 Location: USA Posts: 9,320	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT I was doing a search on acne and came across this thread. The only thing that has helped my cystic acne (so I do know your pain - literally!) is by using 100% Tea Tree oil. I take a q-tip and dab it on the spot at the first sign of pain. You know how, typically cystic acne will last for weeks - well if I catch it early enough using the tea tree oil, it may last for a week IF it even ever forms into a full blown cystic pimple. Just thought I'd share this in case anyone else is suffering.

Apr 28th, 2008, 07:34 AM	#14
kalodie1 Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 2,589	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT People I know swear by Mario Badescu products...you can go on their website. They are in NYC for many years. They have something called Buffering Lotion for Cystic acne. My girls and I all use their products...I have been for years.
kalodie1 Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 2,589

Apr 28th, 2008, 07:54 AM	#15
TheWinglessBird Elegance Is Refusal Joined: Nov 2007 Location: London Posts: 1,053	Re: Nodular/cystic acne on chin when ADULT It's a shame you haven't & wont try the accutane, because it's just so amazing how fast this pill works & the difference it makes. I suffer from depression / anxiety & anorexia / ED but my skin was bringing me down so much, I'd do whatever it takes to get rid of it & this pill really has. I highly recommend it for people with really bad acne. You can be sure once taking this pill you'll see the last of it!