Dioxin poisoning?

Dear Doctor can you help me?  Around the end of Feb. '07 I developed extreme acne on my face especially in front of my ears; under my eyes; my chin area; and in my earlobes-countless whiteheads.  My feet and ankles began to swell by the end of March.   I saw a Dermatology Dr. 3/27/07 & he briefly looked at me & diagnosed cystic acne & perscribed Minocycline + Klaron.  Every few hours I felt I had to "tend" to my face because it would weep and by the end of March I quit my job of 5 years! because I looked sick and my feet hurt from being constantly swollen and I was embarrassed with people asking me what happened to your face?  Then blackheads appeared down the back of my left arm and a few on the right.  All of a sudden white stuff will just "pop" out of my neck.  Now, almost the straw for me - I have it in my groin area (from the pores).  God almighty I feel like a monster!  I went to urgent care 4/21/07.  My bloodwork was fine except for elevated (205) cholesterol and slightly elevated (?) Thyroid.  Dr. perscribed TRIAMT/HCTZ 37.5MG TAB (1/2 PER DAY) + LEVOTHROXINE (levothyroxine) 50MCG & told to stop MINOCYCLINE & given nothing for acne.  This acne is not filled with any kind of fluid but with hard shrouds that feel like glass.  My face hurts all the time.  I feel tired.  My ankles are always swollen.   Blackheads are now in my hairline.  Could I have been poisoned somehow?  I found something called Chloracne on the internet, is there a test for this?  How do I ask for help?  Where do I go?  I am scared and so is my husband and mother.  (I am a 49yo Female & not overweight).?  Thankyou!!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It certainly would be unusual for a 49 year old to develop cystic acne.  Chloracne is caused by exposure to oils used in industry, which I assume does not apply to you.  I cannot think of any relationship of acne or pimples with swollen ankles.  In addition, white stuff does not just 'pop' out of the neck unless you squeeze it out.  If you are touching, rubbing, or squeezing any of your spots, you must stop this at once, or else you won't improve no matter what treatment you're given.

I am quite sure you have not been poisoned.  You need to be evaluated by a general physician for your ankle swelling and pain.  You should also continue to consult with your dermatologist.  Please do not do any more internet research--you will not get any useful answers that way; all you'll get is further cause for anxiety, which may be significantly aggravating your problem.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff