:(

Cystic Acne has been a plague for me for the past 7 years. Can anyone offer some suggestions or support? I am so tired of hiding. When I am not broken out (about 1/8 of the time) I get asked out by guys like crazy, but I hide the rest of the time cause people don't treat me the same when I have acne.

[loiloi]

I know exactly what you mean Julia.
You don't say what you have tried for your acne but here are some of the most effective treatments:
-An over the counter gel called Freederm (contains Nicotinamide).
-A prescription-strength topical gel such as Duac, Epiduo or Differin.
-A course of oral antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline or Minocycline.
-An anti-androgen contraceptive pill such as Yaz, Yasmin or Diane35. (Avoid the progesterone only pill or Depo shot as these can make acne worse).
-A non-hormonal anti-androgen medication called Spironolactone. (For women who would prefer not to take the pill, or can be used in addition to the pill).
-Oral Isotretinoin (formerly Accutane). This is the strongest acne medication available and will only be prescribed if you have tried some of the options above without achieving total skin clearance.

There are loads of good full coverage make-ups for when you're having a bad skin day. Clinique and Estee Lauder both make one. I also like Toleriane by La Roche-Posay and Dermablend by Vichy. I also use La Roche-Posay or Vichy cleansers which do not irritate skin being treated by topical acne medications.
Good Luck, Eloise.