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Sapphire_Lily
New Member
 
Joined: 19 Nov 2010
Posts: 5
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 4:58 am  |
Hi guys. I know this is long, but I'm in desperate need for help. I'm new here and joined in hope that some (or just one) of you could give me some advice. I'm 20-years-old and have been in severe depression over my skin since March of this year. I was hospitalized twice because of it. 
Here's the basic story. I had extremely mild acne, close to non-existent. But I started getting pitted scarring at a fast rate; some out of seemingly nowhere. Most would start at what looked like an enlarged (or scarred) pore and grow bigger as weeks went by. My cheeks are now covered in them. I have some on my forehead as well, and they're still coming. Makeup does not cover them. At the same time I've noticed thinning and weakening of my skin. My cat scratched my forearm pretty deep a few months ago and the scratch is now pitted. I've been to about a total of eight doctors and dermatologists to get an answer on the sudden change of my skin and have gotten nowhere. They all told me the scars on my face look like acne scars (which I agree, but acne scars come from actual acne, and this was not the whole case) and that's it, even after I would explain my story, and then they would offer laser treatment.
There are many reasons why I won't do laser: I don't know if my scars will stop coming after the laser so that would be a waste, my skin is already weak, it offers little improvement in pitted scarring, I don't have that kind of money etc.
(You can skip this part) I also got blood drawn several times and my levels were all in the normal range. I also got my thyroid checked thoroughly. Normal. The only thing that was abnormal in my blood was that I had antinuclear antibodies. My doctor sent me to a rheumotologist to check if I had an autoimmune disease that effected the skin like Lupus. The rheum. said he's been in the field for several years and I had no physical signs of Lupus and didn't do a blood test for anything. He wanted me to see yet another dermatologist. The last dermatologist I saw did a small skin biopsy of a pitted scar and everything came back normal. Again. That was my last straw. I gave up on doctors.
I think the rate of new "spontaneous" scars have slowed down *knocks on wood* and I only scar from a zit (no matter how tiny) and definitely from blackheads (though I never used to scar from these and I've read it's rare). This is pitted scarring that it leaves behind; not red marks.
I'm on Tazorac .1% gel and it doesn't seem to be doing anything in terms of helping something not leave a scar. Actually, it seems to make my pores' appearance even worse. ...So I guess I have a couple of questions for you guys.
1) Has anyone ever been through the same situation or does anyone have any idea what's happening /has happened?
2) Is there anything I can do or take to strengthen my skin?
3) Anything cheap I can do or take to improve the pitted scarring?
4) Any suggestions on clearing up blackheads for my super sensitive skin? Tazorac is not cutting it.
I forgot to mention the regime I was on (that kept me nearly clear for 1-2 years) when I started scarring. I took 500mg of Ampicillin (antibiotic) every night, applied Retin-A Micro .04% every night, and washed my face with an Rx Benzoyl Peroxide Creamy Wash 2-3x a day.
Any answers, advice, suggestions etc. would be GREATLY appreciated! Also I would gladly reply to any of the questions y'all may have. |
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 9:12 am |
Wow, sounds like you've been through a lot trying to get some answers. So sorry to hear about this long haul you've been through.
I'm not in the medical field, so these are only my personal opinions.
- I don't think laser is a good option right now. Lasers may help the scars, but probably won't solve your root problem.
- I think you are on the right track looking for something to strengthen your skin. Look for a barrier repair product. NIA24 (with niacin) is one - they have several different moisturizers. Others have had good results with the Estee Lauder repair products. Do a search in EDS for MSM, it's a supplement that might help strengthen your skin, but research it first.
- For the scars and blackheads, you may want to look at a mild BHA/AHA product (lactic or salicylic, or a combo). Go easy at first to make sure your sensitive skin can handle it - stop if it gets too red. Garden of Wisdom has some good BHA/AHA products: http://www.gardenofwisdom.com/bhaahafruit_acid_blends.html. There's also LacSal by SkinBiology. I wouldn't go for anything real strong until your skin seems to stabilize.
Did you take the Ampicillin for 1-2 years? That seems like a long time. I've only heard of 6 month durations for acne (my son has gone through 3 rounds of the 6 month treatments each time with a different antibiotic). It might be that your system is still trying to bounce back from stopping the antibiotics.
Good luck! And please try not to let this get you down too much...I always think of the saying "this too shall pass" when times get hard. |
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 11:11 pm |
| To start I would STOP bperoxide. Go to Skinbiology website and start reading. They will likely have some great suggestions there for you. |
_________________
Enjoying dermalogica with my ASG and Pico toner ** Disclosure: I was a participant without remuneration in promotional videos for Ageless Secret Gold and the Neurotris Pico Emmy event. |
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Sat Nov 20, 2010 4:45 am |
Welcome to the forum Sapphire_Lily! 
Besides topical stuff, I would suggest a diet high in anti-oxidants. You don't have to turn fully vegetarian, just make sure you eat lots of greens. Vitamin C supplementation would be a good place to start.
Benzoyl Peroxide is a pro-oxidant. I would ditch that.
Good luck and let us know how you get along!  |
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Sat Nov 20, 2010 10:16 am |
Others are way more versed in the skincare area, but I want to say something about the auto-immune thing. I have Lupus. It took about 8 years to completely develop. There are LOTS of other auto-immune illnesses that will cause skin issues.
If you can get past the frustration, it might be worth seeing another rheumatologist and request he check for other auto-immune illnesses.
I really am sorry you are going through so much, and hope that things pick up soon for you! |
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Wed Nov 24, 2010 11:03 am |
I strongly recommend you to stop the prescribed cream that you apply every night, this will definitely weakened your skin, maybe you should try seeing a Chinese Herbal doctor to help you out using chinese herbs instead of anitbiotic and it's more natural
don't wash your face more than 2 times per day, and I think you need to change your cleanser too
for your blackheads, maybe you can try Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (a nature korean skincare brand) of course you won't see the effect immediately, but after using it 1-2 times per week, your skin would really improve!
for the scarring, maybe you can take a try at BB cream (blemish balm cream) it has whtitening effect, and it can also act as a concealer....maybe after using it a while, it'll lighten your scar,,,I recommend you to use tehe bb cream from INNISFREE too because it's more natural, better for you sensitive skin |
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Wed Nov 24, 2010 11:58 am |
I agree with Sis, I believe copper peptides can help you with your situation. Mind you, it isn't a quick fix, it will take a long term commitment.
I also think a barrier repair cream is a good idea as ShastaGirl suggested along with supplementing with MSM & Vit.C. |
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Wed Nov 24, 2010 10:40 pm |
| I would consult with a dermatologist about the Obagi products. the Nu-Derm products are amazing if you are up for an abrasive process of 12-18 weeks. It seems to be able to treat a variety of different skin disorders including acne, scars on the face, discoloration from sun exposure, etc... |
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