Acne - very depressed :(

Prior to having bub 4 weeks ago, I've never ever had acne in my life, not even in my teenage years. I've had the odd pimple here and there but my skin's been quite nice and smooth for the most part. However, after having bub, I've broken out in lots of pimples mostly on the sides of my cheeks and jawline. My face hurts from the acne.

The pimples started appearing in the last trimester of my pregnancy but they were manageable and not that bad. Now it's full blown acne ever since I've had bub.

Is the acne related to me breastfeeding bub at all? I don't want to give up bf even if it is but what can I do to get rid of the acne? Has anyone experienced this? Does it get better? The acne is making me quite depressed and not wanting to get out of the house.

i dont have any answers to your question but just wanted to sympathise with you..... i feel the same when i get pimples and of recent years have started getting the odd cold sore which completely mortifies me..... i even missed my 10 year highschool reunion over it.

it might pay to research whether it is safe to take homeopathic remedies while breastfeeding.... i used to take Martin & Pleasance Combination D Tissue Salts when my skin broke out.... you can buy them from the health food shop.... they are little tablets you chew (no real taste) and for a severe breakout i would take them every half hour for two days and i know i used to swear by them..... my skin is a lot better now but i still have them in the bathroom just in case as they work so well to clear up and heal bad skin. i would definitely recommend checking if you can take them and give them a go. they work wonders.

A lot of women suffer from hormonal acne...I wouldn't be surprised if this is just one of your body's reactions to the huge biochemical changes it has gone through with the pregnancy and having a baby.

Having said that, there are many modern medical treatments for acne these days. Maybe talk first to your GP and if you don't get results from their suggestions you could ask for a referral to see a dermatologist. Tell them you are breastfeeding and you don't want to stop - a good doctor will understand this is important and work their treatments around it.

Good luck - I had a horrible acne condition on my chin a number of years ago and I do know how it can erode your confidence. :hug:

is it acne or rosacea, or are they the same thing?
There are some good natural treatments for it but you'd need to check carefully that they are OK while you are breastfeeding.

I'd probably go to your doctor about it, because it my just be hormones. I broke out like a teenager in the first trimester of my pg- I didn't want to leave the house! I'm in my third tri now so I can't comment on acne after the birth, but if it continues I can recommend Pro-Activ, I used it a couple of years ago when I was suffering break outs and it really does work! I never had a problem again until I got pg...

Good luck, I know how it affects your confidence XX

It does sound hormonal but mention it to your doctor, maybe at your 6 week check-up. In the meantime maybe just try some simple things like drinking lots of water (until your wee runs clear, sorry too much info!). Try some steam: pour some hot water into a bowl, head over, towel etc. I also used to apply just a tiny bit of zinc cream to the worst breakouts... it dries it up very fast. A little bit of sunshine is good too, maybe just spend a half hour outside, walking in the park with your face in the sun. Don't apply foundation if you can avoid it, unless you are going out.

Emma: those tissue salts sound interesting! I'm going to look into that! I have a metabolism imbalance which is giving me minor breakouts too... lots of tiny little zits on my jawline... not red thankfully but it's driving me nuts! So I'll be watching this thread too. I'm still BFing too.

I developed horrid pimples from the implanon. I was the same, never had pimples in my life and knew they were hormnal cause they started a month after I had the implanon when AF would have been due

I went to the docs and she gave me a perscription face wash called Clindatech. It worked within 2 days. I tried other over the counter acne stuff and nothing worked. This stuff was fantastic! It cost me $30

Yes the acne is definitely hormonal, as it only developed after the birth. I have a wedding to attend tomorrow and if it wasn't one of my best friends' wedding I would probably hide in the house and never emerge again.

I thought once I had the hang of bf I would be OK - I had a horrible time with bf with cracked and bleeding nipples, bub not latching on properly etc. and was just about to give up but I persevered through the pain and agony and it got better only 2 weeks ago, and that's when the acne really developed and had gotten worse ever since. This is my first bub btw.

I can't wait for the 6-week check up to ask my doctor, I may just make an appointment for next week. I'm so depressed - it's affected my self confidence so much. I had wanted to give bub the best start in life by bf but if it is the bf that is causing the acne I don't know what to do. I just want to cry if I have to choose between bf bub and having normal clear skin again.

Emma, the Martin & Pleasance Combination D Tissue Salts sounds interesting - I may ask the doc about it.

I'm already started using Proactiv but only once every other day as per the instructions so I don't see any results yet. I just went out to Myer to buy a tube of concealer for the wedding tomorrow as well.

I'm also using Citaphil as a cleanser, already drink lots of water and take daily walks to get some exercise and sunshine.

Sorry for the long depressing post. Thanks for reading though.

Dee, I'm going to ask the doc about your face wash as well.

Cherry, the doc tried to say that not much works for hormonal pimples because obviously its the hormones causing it but this stuff worked a treat.
I stopped using it for a few days cause all my pimples were gone then last night i had another 2 coming out on my forehead and put the clindatech on it last night and its almost gone today :D
Like i said, i used other face washes and acne treatments and they didn't do a thing.
Get in as soon as you can, you'll feel fantastic if it works!

I've suffered from acne since I was about 13 so I guess you could say it's hormonal (usually flares up around af time). I started a low GI diet last year and it has been absolutely fabulous - def worth a try. My skin now glows, I never had that before I always felt like I looked really oily or really pasty. I have also started using an organic skincare range called sukin - it's lovely, kind to your skin and isn't expensive. I sympathise - acne is terrible and although I've learnt to live with it over the years but now people actually comment on how good my skin looks.

Good luck!

P.S - I've tried everything from roaccutane to ProActive & preescription face washes to Christian Dior. Nothing has worked for me like the low GI diet has.

Sorry to be negative - but I tried Clindatech for my early pg breakout and it didn't do anything! Nor did my pro-activ or drinking heaps of water. It might just take time for your hormones to settle down...

AJC, I don't think my acne has got anything to do with diet, as I've never experienced anything like it ever before. But I guess the GI diet is worth a try if nothing else works.

I saw my GP yesterday and she said that my case is a hard one to prescribe medication for, as the complicating factor is that I'm breastfeeding. She said she could easily prescribe me the pill (Yasmin) which would get rid of the acne, but she can't for this reason. So she prescribed me some antibiotics. I'm seeing her again next week for my 6-week postnatal check up so she's going to check on my progress. She also referred me to a dermatologist, but I can't get an appointment with him until late April as he's so busy :(

If the antibiotics don't work, I really don't know what to do. My GP said my acne is quite severe and she's worried about scarring :( I can't believe how I could go from relatively clear skin to this - everyone (who's visited bub and me at home, as I don't go anywhere these days without a ton of makeup!!) I know has remarked on my acne as it's really out of the ordinary. Before this I never wear makeup except for a bit of blush and lip gloss.

If, for example, the antibiotics don't do anything, and I have to choose between stopping bffing (therefore enabling me to go on Yasmin) and clear skin, I just don't know what to do. What would you do? Am I vain for giving up bffing for the sake of my skin??? I'm tearing up and feeling so much despair at the thought that I have to give up bffing, esp. since bub and I have struggled during the early weeks to finally successfully breastfeed.

What would you do???

Cherryblossum - I hear you. I never really had serious acne either, until DD was born. She is 8 1/2 months old now and its still not going away. It is hormonal. Nothing can be done about it (that I know of). :( I did take a course of antibiotics, which cleared it up temporarily, but it came back when I finished the course. I would love to know if there is anything that can be done about it. I got married when DD was 4 months old and couldn't even wear make-up or anything to my own wedding, as any attempt to cover it made my skin look all lumpy. :wall:

But, I am not going to give up breastfeeding yet because of it. I am planning to breastfeed DD for two years, so I am nearly halfway there. I figure that if I made it this far with crappy skin, I can do it for a while longer. This time is really about DD. The breastfeeding relationship we have is so special that I wouldn't give it up for something as superficial (pardon the pun) as clear skin. And as everyone says, the time will go by really quickly.

Great post Zofia :) Well done.

Last week I bought a new antibacterial facewash from the chemist call PHisohex (the PH are in capitals) and it's really helping... and it's cheap at $8 for a good sized bottle.

I wonder which hormone is causing the problem? Could it be worth seeing a hormone specialist? If you are going to have more children will this happen every time? it would be great to get some answers. I saw a Endocrinologist for a hormone issue i have and he knew a lot more than my GP did! he knew about medication i could take while BFing whereas my GP was suggesting I wean.

I suspect this will settle down as your baby needs less milk from you... especially after you introduce solids. It must be so hard. Don't give up hope... I'm sure there are other women out there who have suffered in a similar way... but have found answers... :hug:

Hi guys, just an update. Had my 6-week postnatal check up with GP last week. Everything is fine, except for my acne which didn't seem to respond to the antibiotics. My GP thought that my case is serious enough to warrant trying to get an earlier appointment with another dermo, so she called around and asked a favour from one of her contacts, and made an appt for me to see him today (at 7.30am, as he couldn't fit me in any other time).

I just got back from seeing this dermo, and the news is not good. He thinks that my acne is severe enough for him to prescribe me roaccutane. As soon as he told me that, I bawled my eyes out right in his office - I couldn;t control myself, I was that upset. He thinks the pill is not even fast acting enough, as he reckons I will get scarring if acne doesn't clear up soon. I bawled all the way home in the car - I must have looked pathetic if the other drivers can see me.

I'm having my blood tested and also a swab taken to see what kind of acne it is, and we will go from there. Upon seeing me crying he tried to console that it may not come to that (stopping bfing) but it is something that I may need to consider doing if I was to take roaccutane.

I'm just sooo upset because I love bfing bub so much, and I feel like I'm letting her down by stopping.

Starfish, did you see a dermo for your acne? I can put up with crappy skin for 6 months (which is the length of time I plan to bf DD) but on the advice of my dermo, I don't know what to do. Even now as I'm typing this and looking at DD's beautiful sleeping face tears are rolling down because I really want to give her the best (breastmilk) and I feel like I'm being selfish by choosing my skin over her.

But on the other hand I know it won't be healthy mentally for me to stress over my skin and to worry about scarring. I'm just so devastated....

cherryblossom - I completely understand your upset at the thought of roaccutane. I took it for just under 12months and it was the worst time of my life (caused mild depression and really didn't help my skin that much) - I would never take it again. Read about the side effects before you make a decision - it's a s**t of a drug (to put it bluntly).

Have you considered talking to a naturopath? Not sure if they will help but it's worth a try before resorting to roaccutane.

I really really hate to preach but you would be surprised how much what you put into your mouth can control your body (i.e Insulin is a hormone and very much diet controlled - that's how they come up with the low GI diet). Basically if you eliminate the highly refined processed foods (that aren't good for you anyway) then you'll be worlds better off. Just google it and have a read.

Thats that last time I'll post in here now because I will just keep harping on about low GI - I just believe in it so much and I just really wanted to help.

Good luck whatever you decide.

AJC, I really appreciate your replies. I'm not discounting the fact that a low GI diet won't work for me, but I think I need to exhaust all other options first. How long did it take for your ance to clear up when you started your low GI diet? You see, my dermo said that he wants to act quickly otherwise he's worried about the scarring, so even the pill is not quick enough for him.

Also, the reason why I think my acne is not diet related is because I have never had acne before not even mild acne - the most I have on my face is about 3 pimples at a time prior to my pregnancy. These pimples were just small whiteheads and blackheads that were not even that noticeable, not like these ones I have now which are papules and pastules - they're red and inflamed and they really hurt. The acne literally just appeared overnight after I gave birth.

I guess different things will work for different people. I already have a pretty balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegies and negligible amounts of processed food (in fact the only processed food I can think of that I eat are milk, breakfast cereals, and bread, which I only have ocassionally).

I'm more upset about the fact that I have to give up bffing than the possibility of scarring.

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I'm more upset about the fact that I have to give up bffing than the possibility of scarring.

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Well, there's your answer, isn't it? If the thought that you would have to quit bfing in order to prevent scarring bothers you more than the thought of scarring, I guess the solution is to keep bfing and risk the scars. The thing about scars is they do fade.

Re: diet. I noticed an improvement within 3 weeks. I achieved the full results by around 8 weeks. Nowadays now my skin is clear, if I eat something I shouldn't then I get a breakout within 3 days and it takes another 3 days to clear.

I do have a few scars - not really noticeable anymore though, they're a bit like chicken pox scars. I used to dab them with pure Vitamin E oil which helped. Plus they've just faded over time too.

I really do feel for you, I remember when my acne was at it's worst and I used to walk down the street and people just starred at me like I was a freak. It was gutting.

Perhaps you could see a different dermo and get a second opinion. I remember when I went to the dermo for the first time all they did was praise roaccutane - blah blah blah, no other options offered. Plus to be perfectly honest (and this may be unwarranted but it's just my opinion) - I have to wonder if roaccutane is responsible for my fertility problems. They say that it's only of concern if you take it while pregnant, however us girls are born with our egg supply aren't we??? Just can't help wondering. Roaccutane might work for you but I'd prefer to be honest about my experience with it. I wished someone had told me what I know before I took it - I never would have started.

Lastly - a big :hug:

I really hope I see a happier update from you soon.....

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Well, there's your answer, isn't it? If the thought that you would have to quit bfing in order to prevent scarring bothers you more than the thought of scarring, I guess the solution is to keep bfing and risk the scars. The thing about scars is they do fade.

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Just out of curiosity, have you ever suffered from acne? Not just a few measly pimples but actual acne that covers your whole face? I think until you have acne you don't know what it does to your self-esteem. I used to feel sorry for people with severe acne and now I know how it feels to have it. I don't want to leave the house and my self-esteem is at an all-time low and although I love my baby with all my heart I'm worried I may start to feel some resentment towards her if I keep bffing and ignore the acne. My mental health is just as important to me.

AJC, thank you for your words. I think I will get a second opinion on the Roaccutane as it is a dangerous and powerful drug.

Hi Cherryblossum

Sorry that I didn't reply sooner.

No, I didn't see a dermo about my acne because when I took a course of antibiotics, they did clear the acne up (although it started again as soon as I finished the course), so I have it in the back of my mind that if I ever really want to clear it up, I can take another course again. Sorry, that probably doesn't help you.

Re - roacutane - I too have heard bad things about it, but both my brothers took it as teenagers and neither seemed to have any problems. Then again, they're boys, and neither of them have had a baby yet or anything, so who knows...

Perhaps you could talk to a cosmetic surgeon about your fears re scarring and see what kind of treatment is available for it. I used to work for a cosmetic surgeon, who was also a dermatologist and specialised in the removal of acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage, etc. I believe that the initial consultation fee had a medicare rebate. Where are you based? If you're anywhere near Sydney I could PM you his details.

Also, my acne seems to be starting to settle (after nearly nine months...), so perhaps yours will go away by itself too. Hope this helps. :)

Starfish, I had a think about it and I really don't think I want to deal with scarring. I'd rather just attack the acne once and for all and not worry about scarring. I'm in Melbourne anyway, but thanks for offering.

Also, I'm going back to work in 3 months' time, and I can't even get myself out of the house to go to the local Safeway let alone go to work and deal with clients. I wouldn't worry as much if I wasn't going back for a year or so as I can put up with crappy skin at home. But even then, it's so confidence-destroying. I can't even look at myself in the mirror these days.

Re roaccutane - yes, there are serious side effects but I've spoken to 2 friends who have taken it and both have said that it was the best thing they've done for their skin. One also recently had a baby. But I do understand your concern AJC about its effect on fertility, as even though it's meant to have no effect on it you just never know, do you, as a drug may have different effects on different people. Also, if this drug can cause such serious birth defects on a fetus if taken during pregnancy, you got to wonder what effects it may have on any unfertilized eggs don't you? But having said that I think the risks far outweigh the advantages.

I'm going to wait until tomorrow when I call my derm to check my blood results and see whether he will recommend me getting on roaccutane, and decide from there...

Cherry- I apologize if I caused any offense. Sometimes I find that I accidentally stumble across an answer to a problem I'm having as I talk it out, I thought perhaps you'd done the same there. Was only trying to help.

I've always been blessed with beautiful skin, but I do know what its like to have your self-image shattered because of a "cosmetic" imperfection. I'm only just now barely able to allow myself to smile with no reservations- I have massive gap between my front teeth that I've never had the extra money to "fix." I've pretty much made my peace with it now, but its been hard.

Whatever you decide, your baby will love you the same either way. And its best for baby to have a happy, healthy mum. Good luck with the dr.

No worries Bellelass, no offence taken. I didn't mean to sound curt.

I guess the difference between your "cosmetic" problem and mine is that you've had it for a while and you've had time to get used to it, whereas for me, the acne literally appeared so suddenly that I'm quite shocked by it. Getting the acne so suddenly was such a shock to my system, and I just don't know how to deal with it. My family and friends are also astonished by it, and most have remarked (quite untactfully, I might add) on what has happened to my once beautiful skin (to me, my skin was not beautiful, but I guess you tend to be more critical of yourself).

Hi everyone, it's been a while since my last update. The very good news is that my acne has miraculously cleared up and I'm still breastfeeding - YAY!!! It was a painful and slow process but I was patient and determined. My blood tests didn't indicate that anything was wrong - no obvious hormonal imbalance, infection or anything wrong with my liver, so my derm didn't immediately put me on roaccutane (also because I was reluctant). I was on antibiotics up until 2 weeks ago. My derm doesn't know whether the antibiotics helped the acne or whether my skin would have improved anyway. I noticed that my skin started improving about a month ago just when I was about to give up and ask my derm to be put on roaccutane. Then I started using Benzac 2.5% gel - this stuff really works!! It's amazing - now I have no more acne on my face but only a few lumps underneath my jawline. I have really obvious red marks though but that's OK I can deal with them - they'll disappear in time.

In the end I didn't go on roaccutane because I kept putting it off with my derm and adopting a wait and see attitude. It paid off and I'm so glad I didn't jump the gun and go on roaccutane.

DD turned 3 months yesterday and I'm still breastfeeding :)

Damn this hormonal acne causing me so much grief!!!

:happyforyou: Firstly I am glad you didn't end up taking the roaccutane but most importantly I'm glad your skin/hormones seem to be under control now. You sound much happier!

Cherryblossum, I just wanted to recommend Clindatech also.

I sympathise with you as I never got acne as a teenager either but as I got older I began to suffer from hormonal acne (big sore blind pimples on my chin) and the only thing that fixed it was the pill called Diane 35. I got the odd spot while I was pg but like you, after the birth I got acne terribly again. I asked my Gp for a prescription for Clindatech and I have never looked back!

hi Cherry Blossom

I have just read your post with interest and am SO glad that your acne is getting under control. I can't imagine what a shock it must have been for you to go from lovely clear skin to skin that is sore, lumpy and bumpy.

I have always had poor skin but in my pregnancy it was beautiful. Since the birth of my DD the acne has reappeared and I had one horrid week when I didn't want to go out. I was trying everything. In desperation I was contemplating urine therapy (actually can't remember the exact term) but had found a website that people spoke about the successes they had had. I didn't have to do this though but perhaps would have if I could have been guarenteed beautiful smooth skin. Like a couple of girls have mentioned the salt tablets are what works best for me. I spoke to my ob and a couple of pharmacists about them and have been given the ok. Like you I am breastfeeding and selfishly wanted to be able to look people in the eye rather than lose my confidence because of the acne. To cut a long story short my skin is slowly improving and so is my self esteem again. It certainly does take a battering when you have adult acne.

All in all I think that it is great you didn't have to resort to roaccutune. Clindatech for me didn't work. I have tried this over the years but it doesn't help me. It would be lovely if there were something that universally fixed all acne problems.

My skin's even better now! All lumps underneath jaw are gone, gone, GONE! I've also been using an acne treatment product by Avene, called Diacneal which works to fade red marks. My red marks are definitely slowly fading, and if I wear foundation to cover the remaining reddish marks, my skin looks flawless.

I googled Clindatech just out of interest and it seems that it is not recommended for breastfeeding mums so I wouldn't have wanted to
try it anyway.

Milson, I don't think we were selfish to want to look presentable to the outside world AT ALL. If we were we would've forgotten about bffing our bubs immediately and do whatever it takes to get rid of the acne fast, including going on roaccutane. Hell, I used to be a size 8 pre-baby but am now still 10kg heavier almost 4 months postpartum, but I don't even care, as I'm not going on a diet to compromise my milk supply. NO NO, vanity can wait :redface:

But anyway Milson, why don't you try Benzac gel as well as the salts? It's so miraculous how it works so quickly for me, but then again it might have been just my hormones settling down.

CB I am so glad that it has cleared up!
Your posts have really hit a nerve with me and Im so glad that it has worked out for you!
Ive had acute cystic acne all over my arms, my chest my shoulders and my back since I was 12 and it is devastating. I ended up on roaccutane at 18 after trying EVERYTHING. I have terrible scaring all over and there is nothing anyone can do or say to make you feel good about not being about ot wear bathers in high school! It worked, but since having DD it has flared up again, and of course, the same dilema as you - i am BF so cant even consider going ack on it, or the pill.

So I think I may try this Benzac gel too! Is it over the counter or do you need a script?

Again, I am glad it has worked ou t for you, you have given me hope!! :)

Alexis

I only just saw this thread and I am thrilled for you that it has now cleared up!

I find that I get nasty acne and clogging on my jawline, shoulders and chest (not so much on the face except a random one or two) in early PG (like now but it's easing up ATM) when I went off the pill or my baby weans. It's just horrific and very painful. The weird thing is that it seems to clear up just as quickly as it begins.
Back when we were a couple of months from our wedding we made the decision to go off the pill as we wanted to TTC straight away but I had to go back on it as it was terrible and not a good look in a sweetheart neckline.

I have found that glycolic products like AlphaH have worked wonders for my skin when it's been really bad.

Alexis - benzac gel is available over the counter, you don't need a script. It's available in 3 strengths - 2.5%, 5%, and 10% (of benzoyl peroxide, which is the main ingredient).

Benzoyl peroxide is also the main ingredient in the range of Proactiv products.

I used the 2.5% as I had used Proactiv before I used the benzac gel but I hated Proactiv because my skin got really irritated and it used to sting so badly. I think the BP in Proactiv may have been too strong for my skin. So I when I started to use the benzac gel, I started on the 2.5% strength.

I've since stopped using the gel a few weeks ago and my skin's looking good - not as good as it was pre-baby but the red marks are not a bright red colour anymore but have since faded to a dull brown. I don't have to wear foundation anymore - YAY!!