Cystic acne - 30 yo woman

[archaeogirl]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 30 yo woman who seems to get a HUGE acne cyst every 3-4 months (usually around my nose or else my chin). I tend to have small blemishes and small nodules the rest of the time. I'm getting married in 3 months and am freaking out (and I know that stress doesn't help matters). I am waiting until this cyst heals since I am too embarrased to go to a spa and get a facial when my face has a huge cyst on it.

My skin is combination/oily and sensitive but gets clogged easily. I use bare escentuals mineral foundation and Neostrata products (good for exfoliation.) I am going to my doctor in a few weeks and will speak to her about this. I've suffered with this all through my 20's and enoughs enough!

Does anyone have any success stories with cystic acne? Any encouragement? I'm trying to be strong and not touch the current cyst - it feels like my face is puffed out to eternity and I'm a walking monster.

[Beachgirl49]

Toni1981,
Spironolactone.  Girls can take it, not boys.  That is the key to cystic acne for girls.  All hormonal based.  I'm 49 and have had them since 17 years old.  Still get them, but only once a year.  Taking Solodyn 105 mg. with it, too.  That's a high dose, but necessary.  Spironolactone comes in 25mg pills.  One pill a day is not enough!  That won't fix anything.  I take 100 mg a day to maintain. 50 mg in the morning and 50mg at night.  I take more if I need to just to cut the feeding to the androgen glands that produce too much oils that cause the cysts.  No fancy face washes.  Only Aveeno Daily Complexion face pads.  Once in the morning and once at night with the wipes.  That's it.  My cystic acne was so bad I would get cortisone shots in them to shrink them.  Over time that didn't do the trick and I was left with only scars.  Found a doctor who finally knew what he was doing.  Prescribed the spironolactone (water pill).  It is unreal the results.  

[jmlewis]

Do not worry, your not alone!! I am 25 and have ben suffering from it for about 5 years now. It really does suck. Ive been on accutane and it really did work. But i quit about 50 days ago and had 3 pimples form into 1 big cyst right by me eye. It was so huge and horrible and very embarassing to be in public. So I decided to try a cortisone injection. I found a dermatologist who only charged me 50$ total, for appointment and shot with no insurance. Within 24 hours its is 50% smaller, feels like a normal pimple instead of a huge cyst. I know it doesnt PREVENT you from getting them but it definitley gets rid of it FAST. But it can leave indentations in your face so make sure you find a dermatologist that knows what they are doing. It is my new life line as i dont get them all the time but if i ever get another one i will def. get the shot.

[laurea]

I am 46 and acne free! There is hope.
I suffered from acne in my late twenties through my mid thirties. I tried everything.
The first time I went to the dermatoligist, this was in South Africa, I found that I was suffering from staph.The doctor had me use a salicyrtic mask at night, along with a topical antibiotic ointment. Also, I used Retin A. This worked.
My daughters have had trouble with their skin, and we found that washing with
Cetaphyl Antibacterial Bar ist the best, Add Baking Soda to lathered hands if you need to expholiate. If you need a toner, use Witch Hazel.
Always use clean towels to dry, free of fabric softener. Wash towels in hot water.
Use the benzol peroxide Acne free Terminator on your pimple