Reoccuring Acne

I am 31 year old Female. I had severe acne as a teen that has never gone away.  It's never really improved either.  For the last 3 years I have been dealing with a reoccuring rash that was biopsy by my dermatologist.  She said it was just normal folliculitus (folliculitis) and put me on anti-biotics.  When I go off the meds, the rash comes right back.  It comes every 2 or 3 months no matter what time of year it is (hot or cold).  It starts with small ***** white heads that are very red and raised around the head.  They itch and burn severely, and they also cause me to feel like my skin all over is on fire when I only get the actual bumps on my chest, breasts, neck, lower face, back of neck, upper back and upper arms.  So basically I get the bumps from my breasts up.  I can not live on anti-biotics my entire life.  I have believed for years I am actually allergic to all antibiotics because of the severe side effects I have when taking them (diarehea, nausea, severe yeast infections etc)  Last February when I saw my dermatologist, she now says I dont have acne, I have rosacea that is causeing my pimples.  She again prescribed me anti-biotics even after I begged her for a different solution.  I did not take the anit-biotics, but did use the Metro Gel and the other cream she prescribed for the Rosacea.  Here it is June, and my rash is back again.  I am at a loss and I dont even know what to do anymore.  I have seen 2 primary care physicians and my dermatologist, and one urgent care doctor over the last 3 years.  Different diagnosis every time.  Help!

[loiloi]

Hi. I'm 32 and have acne and rosacea too. I have to take long term antibiotics (oral oxytetracycline, what have you been prescribed?) I also take an anti-androgen birth control pill (Diane35, have you tried this and what were the results like?)
Rosacea seldom goes into remission on its own and sufferers usually have to take repeat courses of antibiotics. If you cannot tolerate the side effects of these, have you looked into laser surgery? Eloise x

[J_low]

She prescribes me Doxycycline, 10-days regular dose and then 45 days of low dose.  And I can not remember the name of the recent cream she gave me to use at night and the Metro Gel in the morning.  I am at the point, I will refuse long term anit-biotics.  It just comes back with or with out them, so I think it's better for my body in general with out them.  I took the pill for years, even tried the Yaz which is "supposed" to help with acne, but recently switched to a hormonal IUD (Merena)  I have recently thought about laser re-surfacing.... give my skin a new layer so maybe it will function correctly, my only concern is the large area that has been affected.

[loiloi]

Have you tried oxytetracycline or Lymecycline? I've had no problems with either. If tetracyclines cause digestive discomfort Erythromycin would be an alternative as it doesn't have to be taken on an empty stomach. Eloise x

[J_low]

I went to my regular doc yesterday.  He gave me something for anxiety, but does not believe the rash is related.  I he noted I am now having some scaring from repeated bouts of this rash and has referred me to a different dermotologist for a second opinion since I have been seeing my dermatologist for almost 3 years with no real solution.  So here I am at work, drugged and itching.... :)  My biggest thing is I dont want to be on anti-biotics.  I took tetracyline as a teen, didnt really change much.

[loiloi]

I take medication for anxiety (venlafaxine and occasionally diazepam). I find it does help as I get anxious about my skin and the anxiety makes my skin worse.
I hope your new dermatologist can give you a definative diagnosis. It would be unusual for acne to itch, and unusual for rosacea to scar. You may have two co-existing conditions, I have acne and rosacea and also get dermatitis.
Eloise x

[loiloi]

Has the severity of your acne changed since having the Mirena device? It is estrogren-free and releases progesterone so may not be the best birth control choice for acne sufferers.
Eloise x

[J_low]

I have not had any change in my acne since I got the Mirena.  It advertises some improvement in skin for some women, but it also advertised that my period would stop, and unfortunatelly that has not happened either.  I am going to see the new dermatologist after I go on vacation, hopefully he can give me some treatments that work!