Skin Care
"How I Cured My Cystic Acne"What do you do when you've been struggling with cystic acne for years? You find a way to make it go away. Read on to see how one reader finally figured out a cure |
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Even though I've been dealing with cystic acne for years, I still cringe at the sight of my skin when I look in the mirror. Every morning, I force myself to wash my face and get dressed, even though I feel like crawling back into bed and hiding under the covers.
And yes, I've tried everything to get rid of it. Oral medication. Proactiv. Even Acutane, the strongest form of acne treatment available, and one that has very risky side effects. Each time I try a new treatment I'm filled with hope. And each time that treatment doesn't work, I'm crushed.
Skip ahead to see how Claire finally cured her cystic acne.
The only thing that's sort of worked is Spironolactone, an anti-androgen that helps regulate hormones, in conjunction with birth control pills. But popping two pills a day was making me feel like a geriatric, so I stopped taking them and started a new, way simpler regimen: I wash my face with a salicylic acid cleanser -- and that's it. And the acne is back in full force.
A few weeks ago I decided it was time for a last-ditch effort. Why now? I just got into a new relationship. My boyfriend, Ben, tells me he loves me no matter what my skin looks like. But I'll admit, sometimes I doubt that. And I know I won't really feel good about myself until my acne is gone. So I make an appointment with Ava Shamban, MD, owner of the Laser Institute-Dermatology in Santa Monica, Calif. Shamban is the celebrity dermatologist on "Extreme Makeover," and the author of "Heal Your Skin." If she can't help me, I'm afraid I'm un-helpable. But here comes that hope again.
By Claire Hapke, as told to Jane Chung
Image via Imaxtree
SEE NEXT PAGE: My First Appointment: "Claire, you're lazy."
Older comments
Very useful information, Thanks for sharing this article this has been a major disease affecting personal life
by fakargian Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 02:02AM Report as inappropriate
"I have terrible cystic acne but I don't want to take prescription medication!" she whines. Puh-leeze! You are given treatment, have access to products other than cleansers, but won't use them. This is a ridiculous article. I cleared my skin with soap, water, alcohol, and a complete dietary adjustment. Zero sugar, starch, breads, oils, fried and processed foods. I eat broccoli, greens (lots of greens), steamed and poached veggies, broiled or canned salmon, tofu, quinoa, brown rice, half a lemon a day over food or in unsweetened green tea, and blueberries. Someone else mentioned the sugar/insulin/hormonal imbalance link. You have to take responsibility for your lifestyle, as well as your treatment.
by sandra_lewis Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 02:13AM Report as inappropriate
I can't disagree with much of this. I was almost half expecting some wild remedy. :) When I was younger I had very bad cystic acne. I took tetracycline, minocycline, doxicycline, I used topicals like Retin-A, Cleocin-T, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide. I began using the Citrus Clear products on a regular, daily basis. Also I never touch my hands to my face, and the result has been acne free. NOt even an occasional pimple.
by melissa_locks Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 03:33PM Report as inappropriate
I am so glad that I have never suffered from acne like this; what a difference in the end, but also what an ordeal!
by GigiSD Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 08:27PM Report as inappropriate
very helpful!!
by rna Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 03:45PM Report as inappropriate
Thanks to Doxycycline, I am now acne free!
by EricaC123 Friday, February 22, 2013 at 03:35AM Report as inappropriate
I suffer from acne and I found this article extremely helpful. Thanks
by Misselizabeth Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 07:37PM Report as inappropriate
Adult acne is tough to clear, women or man it is tough. I am wondering if she stayed with her treatments long enough for them to help. Hormonal acne is the toughest, and findin the right balance for the hormones is a hit and miss process.
by duncan101 Monday, December 24, 2012 at 04:56PM Report as inappropriate
Good for her. I just started suffering from acne (weird) but i think i'll try a different approach.
by nicky22 Monday, December 24, 2012 at 12:03PM Report as inappropriate
good for her( :
by aishak55 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 06:28PM Report as inappropriate