Acne - very depressed :(

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.

:

---

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

---

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.....

:

---

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.

---

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!!