Need Serious Help. Has Anyone Sought Professional Treatment For Their Acne?
My acne got on my last straw today - I walked into the shower this morning and overnight a giant, .75 inches in diameter, zit appeared on my chest. Yes... I have acne... on my chest *sigh* in addition to my back, forehead, cheeks, neck, chin, even some on my lips, and I've gotten acne on my legs and arms before, places people wouldn't typically imagine. I am an 18 year old male and I'm ready to give up on these little WalGreens treatments that suppress the problem for a few days after weeks of repeated use. Even if a patch of red and pus fades away, an even uglier one will replace it somewhere else.
I've always had constant acne since the age of 12 or so but only two or three pimples not dozens or even a hundred at any given moment. This kills me to look at the mirror, to look at my peers who have clear faces (limbs, bodies, etc.) without even trying. I'll admit that a year ago I would pick at and pop my zits and that would leave gross, crusty, fleshy red marks on my skin that only hours later would be replaced with another capsule of opaque pus. I haven't done that in a while but at least then the acne was only on my face! I have run cross country for my whole high school career, obviously causing me to sweat everyday (except Sunday) but I would think that showering wouldn't make that such a huge problem. One more potentially key factor to consider is that this year I joined the weightlifting team and we work out every weekday and on Saturday I go the YMCA to get in more cardio exercise. On Sunday I go to church, work on my video projects (I hope to be a visual effects artist, SCAD accepted me), do the homework I probably put all off for today, and lastly attend youth group. I don't regret my rather packed schedule of honors courses and my part time job as a cashier, I went from flat to six pack and broke to thousand-naire since the beginning of this school year, it's like a dream minus the overbearing, hideous acne. I am not overweight, I am 171 lbs and exactly 6'.
I want to know if anyone has gone to a professional doctor for acne treatment and has had highly satisfactory results. How much would it cost, how long does it last for, what are potential side effects? I am in the Chicago area. Anything, any seriously effective safe treatment, advice, foods, or anything that has worked for your severe bodily acne please do share.
February 27th, 2011 - 02:06
I’m from the UK, but both my brother and I were made to see a professional dematologist in our teens.
We both had laser treatment done: This made no difference to me and burnt my brother.
We both had to take oxytetracycline (a powerful antibiotic) every day and that helped quite a lot. There were also a couple of anti-zit gels we had to apply, but I’ve forgotten their names now; think they began with Iso.
Whatever they are, thoguh.. .DO NOT PUT THEM ON YOUR LIPS. It hurts like hell when you do that.
I sometimes use the Murad system these days. That or Garnier 3-in-1 wash. And clay facemasks at least once a week help lots too.
I also use pore strips when I remember (I get blackheads quite regularly :/)
February 27th, 2011 - 02:06
Garlic will cure acne. Topically or eating it. But if you eat it and exercise as you do you’ll be kinda rank. It should work for you. (what THEY don’t want you to know). Worth a shot anyway.
February 27th, 2011 - 02:06
Wash your face twice a day with warm water and a good face wash.
You can buy good face washes just about anywhere, they’re not too exspensive.
I recommend a wash with salicylic acid. It will work just fine with less irritation.
* Benzoyl Peroxide is also effective at treating acne, but in my experience it causes a lot of dryness and redness.
After you wash, make sure you moisturize your skin within 5 minutes.
* It’s important to use a non-comedogenic lotion. These kind of lotions do not irritate the skin.
* Keeping your face moisturized will reduce dryness and your face will be less oily. It’s very important.
Never touch your face or pop your pimples. Popping them will only make them worse, and they’ll spread.
- If you must pop them, wipe your face immediately after with alcohol. This will kill the bacteria so they won’t spread.
* Alcohol will dry your face out really fast so I wouldn’t do this very often.
*Lemon Juice is used as a homeopathic treatment for acne. Lemon juice also contains one of the AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids and can be used to slough off dead skin, promoting skin elasticity, and enabling new skin cell growth rise from underneath.
Keep your pillow cases clean. Wash them often. Once a week if possible.
This isn’t a one time thing, you have to continue this over time to see a difference. Once you get in the routine it will become natural and your face will be flawless!
*** Products I use..
1.) Clean&Clear – Advantage (3 in 1 foaming face wash)
2.) Clean&Clear – Advantage (Acne control moisturizer)
3.) CeraVe moisturizing face wash and lotion
4.) Neutrogena ( On The Spot)
5.) Stridex pads (Sensitive)
- I use 1 in the shower, and sometimes before bed.
- I use 2 before bed on most night.
- I use 3 in the morning to make my face look nice. The lotion won’t make your face look oily.
- I use 4 when I see a breakout starting.
- I use 5 when I get home from school, and randomly when I feel like my face is dirty.
February 27th, 2011 - 02:06
There’s no need to worry about being perfect anymore. It turns out that no one is at http://www.perfectlynot.com