Ladies, a question about "acne"...

[Stepharoonie!]

I put acne in quotations, because I'm not exactly sure if this is what I have.

All through high school and growing up, I was blessed with practically perfect skin. However, the last 3 years I've had horrible breakouts, blackheads and these weird non-pimple bumps on my cheekbones and forehead. I'm not sure if they're pimples or not...they have no redness to them, but they are VERY noticeable.

GROSS ALERT. If you're easily grossed out, please don't read on!

When you squeeze the bumps, it's not the green or "infected" pimple stuff that comes out...it's a much harder white substance. I have no earthly idea what they are or what causes them. I watched eating too many sweets, fatty, or greasy foods; I wash my face twice daily; I've tried every medication under the sun for them. Seriously, I bet I've tried them all. Proactive did nothing, Noxema doesn't help, the apricot scrubs don't help, and anything like "Nature's Cure" doesn't even BEGIN to help (the pills).

I've also begun getting the yucky red pimples on my cheeks closest to my nose. They last quite awhile, go away for about 2-3 days, then come back.

I'm at my wit's end trying to figure out WHAT to do to make myself look better. Any advice???

 

[decker96]

I don't know about the other stuff, but I get the non-pimple bumps too. I get them mostly on my upper arms and also on my face, usually on my cheekbones near my ears. I don't know what they are either, but I've been thinking about going to see a dermatologist because the ones on my arms are really starting to bug me (they itch sometimes).
I also always had great skin when I was younger. If I ever got a pimple, it was one that lasted for maybe a day. Then, I'd go for months without having another one. Maybe we're being cursed now because we didnt' suffer in high school!
Seriously though, hopefully someone else knows what they are.

 

[dg39]

Maybe your pores are clogged. I use "microdermabrasion" by Dr. Brandt. Alittle pricey, but well worth. I also use his "poreless" cream. Takes out the daily grime out of your pores, again alittle pricey, but worth it. My skin thankfully is very clear. I also do get an occasional breakout from time to time. I wash my face with Cepaphil(sp?), rinse with hot water and use the above mentioned skin care and within a day, the breakout is gone.

 

[jel0511]

I have to say that it does sound like acne. Acne doesn't need to be red, and the white stuff is pus, just a different kind, not as liquidly (is that a word!?) Anyway, you're best bet is to see a dermatologist and get an antibiotic acne cream. Sometimes a course of tetracycline can clear this stuff right up, and you're normal skin can come back.

 

[CEDmom]

You may have adult acne. I never had skin problems as a teenager and then when I hit my late 20's early 30's I started having problems. I went to my dermatologist and got some prescription cream to use every day for a month. It really cleared it up and now I only have to use it occasionally. I'd definitely see a doctor and would also probably stop washing my face so much. That can actually make it worse. Good luck and congratulations on getting custody

 

[GoofyPrincess]

...while I was pregnant and tried everything from antibiotics to acne medication to fix it. Nothing worked. As a favor (and last resort!) my mom got me a facial with a very gentle microderm abrasion (Just a sponge and sensitive skin lotion stuff). I was cleared up within 3 weeks from that one treatment!

I continued to use Jurlique products to maintain my skin tone and haven't had one pimple/blackhead/lumpy thing since.

As an added bonus, I think that the Grand Floridian Spa uses Jurlique products, so I think a trip to Disney is in order!!

 

[Kirby]

It could be hormonal.

I've had acne ever since I was a teenager. Going to a dermatologist only controled it, it never went away.

The only time I haven't had acne was when I was pregnant.

I get the large cyst-like pimples also. They tend to go away after a time. I don't dare squeeze them, my face is blemished enough from the acne I had as a teenager. I get them close to my ears mostly, but occasionally they pop up on my cheek bones or around my chin.

I've come to accept it and don't pay it any attention any more. I usually don't have more than one or two pimples at any given time, thank goodness!

 

[danacara]

Any way you can get a referral to a dermatologist through your health plan? Mine is a godsend. If it's hormonal, it's a true medical condition and that's a rationale to cover your care. Good luck Stepharoonie.

 

[Scratch42]

STRESS!

This can also cause these breakouts.

Do you have any stress is your life? I know you do but maybe now that Maddy is home to stay things will be a little easier on you. I also have foods that trigger outbreaks.

Good Luck to you!

Scratch

 

[krissy3483]

another vote to see a dermatologist if you can. I had acne for close to 10 years probably, and had been seeing a dermatologist about it for many of those years. I tried probably a dozen different acne medicines, and it was Accutane that finally helped me. Since then I only get an occassional pimple or two, nothing like what I had before. Its something you might want to ask a dermatologist about if you can

 

[ilovepcot]

Worked for a dermatologist for a while (nurse) and my "guess" would be stress and hormonal changes. Probably hate to hear this one more time, but yes, a trip to a dermatologist may be needed.

 

[maci]

Well I am not blessed with the best skin and have been to the dermatologist several times and tried many different prescriptions, nothing ever works! Mine is mostly hormonal as well.
The only thing that has ever worked great for me is believe it or not...proactive!! Yes the one from the infomercial!
Now they sell at kiosks in malls. I would recommend atleast giving it a try!

 

[GlennandAnn]

Try washing your face with baby shampoo. I had the same problem you are describing when I was pregnant, and it never went away. After DS was born, I saw a dermatologist who asked me to try the baby shampoo and see how it worked before he prescribed anything. It worked like a charm. I don't use anything else on my face and haven't had a breakout in almost 5 years.


Ann

 

[PooohBear]

Could this be eczema ?!

 

[Lachesis00]

Stress bumps? I get those same "owchies" Mine are from stress and take forever to go away!!!

 

[HisEllyNelly]

These bumps seem to be quite common. I get them on my chin, and occasionally the odd zit or two will pop up too. I was another who had flawless skin in highschool so it just bothers the heck out of me now.I keep joking that I skipped puberty the first time and am still so young (ya right) that I get it now. I am now very careful about what I use to clean my face, and if I use a moisturizer I avoid that area. Its hard trying to fight the oncoming wrinkles from age and the acne at the same time.

 

[Disney_1derland]

And they do rise and fall with my hormones. They can be painful and awful. I have been told that they are a type of hormone related non-harmful tumor, can't remember the name of them right off hand, will have to look it up or call my derm.

Anyhow, nothing works for me except the cheap Avon Blue stuff that is very rough on your skin and I have to use a really good moisturizer because I'm so dry but it does help to keep the stuff down for the most part. I even have to mask every 3 days.

 

[Pop Daddy]

ladies with acne are sexy

 

[ilovepcot]

What???!!! !!!!!

 

[maci]

Gosh! How embarrassing! Popdaddy knows I have less than perfect skin!